29 January, 2026 (Malita, Davao Occidental) β The 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, under the command of LTC Julius V. Taniza (GSC), PA, in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao Occidental and in collaboration with the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)βDavao, through its Amnesty Application Assistance program dubbed βTulong Ugnay Para sa Bagong Buhayβ, conducted a one-day Amnesty Application event for former rebels from the Province of Davao Occidental.
The program formally opened with a welcome address delivered by Maj. Errick Wynmer F. Calulot (INF), PA, Executive Officer of the 73rd Infantry Battalion. This was followed by a message from Mr. Junever P. Roma, E-CLIP focal person of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Davao Occidental, who underscored the governmentβs sincerity in pursuing peace and highlighted the importance of the amnesty program. He emphasized that their office serves as a vital bridge in governance by providing assistance and support throughout the amnesty process, including ensuring the proper turnover and documentation of surrendered firearms to the PNP and AFP.
The LABβDavao Secretariat likewise delivered a message emphasizing the significance of the Amnesty Program as a key component of the governmentβs peace and development efforts.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Geoffrey P. Navarra explained that government assistance under the program focuses on long-term support through skills training, education, and livelihood opportunities rather than direct cash assistance. He also stressed the availability of legal support, particularly in the preparation and processing of affidavits and amnesty application documents. The initiative aims to address legal concerns, expedite the amnesty process, and ensure the safety of applicants through the issuance of safe conduct passes while cases are under review.
More than 80 former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, mostly from different indigenous communities and currently under the custodial care of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, participated in the activity. Following a comprehensive amnesty orientation conducted by the LAB-Davao Secretariat, applicants completed their application forms during the afternoon session and took their oath administered by Atty. Geoffrey P. Navarra Jr.
The activity marks a significant step in expediting the processing of amnesty applications, ensuring that eligible former CPP-NPA-NDF members covered under Proclamation No. 404 submit their applications on or before the March 13, 2026 deadline, and that these are properly received and processed by the National Amnesty Commission.
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