22 May 2025 (Butuan City, Agusan del Norte) – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Butuan organized its first amnesty program forum at the Kagawasan 143 Peace Center in Butuan City. The forum, made possible through the support of Agusan del Norte’s Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), was attended by local government representatives, law enforcement and military personnel, legal sector, civil society organizations, and former rebels’ representatives.

Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angel Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, who was among the participants in the said activity, expressed the PLGU’s intent to bringing the amnesty program’s goals to fruition.

Addressing the participants, Governor Amante-Matba said, “Ang gusto ko lang sana mangyari, [is] that we will be able to deliver the commitment of the government because we ask them (former rebels) to come back to government.” She added, “We want a LAB that is optimally functioning para they (former rebels) can go back having normal lives.”

Gov. Amante-Matba committed her full support to the amnesty program by accepting to chair the LAB, and providing office space, office equipment, and when necessary, additional manpower and other support.

The NAC delegation was led by Commissioner Jamar M. Kulayan, the commissioner-in-charge for Mindanao. Director Mohammad Jamalul Giducos and Atty. Rizal Thaddeus Acas from the Commission’s Legal and Amnesty Operations Office led the discussion on the overview of the amnesty program, step-by-step application process, legal framework, and eligibility criteria.

Also present in the activity were Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, Commander of the 901st Brigade of the Philippine Army; Police Colonel Rommel D Villamor, Director of Butuan City Police Office; and Regional Prosecutor John S. Magdaraog.

The forum highlighted the importance of collaboration and community involvement in promoting and sustaining peace. Through the synergy showcased between government instrumentalities, civil society, and grassroots stakeholders, it is evident that the amnesty program is steadily paving the way towards a future where peace and development is a reality for every citizen.

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