12 September, 2025 (Davao City, Davao del Sur) – The National Amnesty Commission (NAC), through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)–Davao, formally issued 61 Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to qualified amnesty applicants from the Davao Region in a ceremony held at Bagani Hall, Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido, new of Police Regional Office XI in Buhangin, Davao City. The occasion also marked the official oath-taking of new LAB-Davao members.

The event followed Davao City’s recent declaration as an insurgency-free cityβ€”a historic milestone that highlights the region’s continuing progress in peace and development. Local and national leaders hailed the ceremony as a significant step toward sustaining stability and reconciliation.

The program opened with the national anthem and an invocation, followed by welcome remarks from PBGen. Joseph R. Arguelles, Regional Director of the Philippine National Police – PRO XI. Atty. Janet Grace B. Dalisay-Fabrero, Regional Prosecutor of DOJ Region XI and Chairperson of LAB-Davao, delivered the opening message, emphasizing the Board’s vital role in advancing peace and justice.

NAC Commissioner Jamar M. Kulayan delivered the keynote address, underscoring the government’s commitment to reconciliation and reintegration. He later administered the oath of office to the newly inducted LAB-Davao members, namely:

PBGen. Joseph R. Arguelles, Regional Director, PNP – PRO XI

PCol. Manna C. Muarip, City Director, Davao City Police Office

Atty. Ferdinand M. Taglucop, President, Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Davao Chapter

Col. Christopher Diaz, Acting Commander, 1003rd Brigade, Philippine Army

Capt. Begex E. Manalo, S2 1003rd Brigade, Philippine Army

City Prosecutor Joseph M. Apao, City Prosecutor, Island Garden City of Samal

The second part of the program highlighted the ceremonial awarding of Safe Conduct Passes. NAC Legal Officer Atty. Angel D. Sosa introduced the SCP, explaining its role in ensuring the protection and mobility of amnesty applicants as they undergo reintegration into mainstream society. 61 Former Rebels coming from different Provinces in Davao Region who are amnesty applicants, received their respective Safe Conduct Passes.

Messages of commitment and support were delivered by Col. Romeo Bautista III of the 10th Infantry β€œAgila” Division, Philippine Army, and Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-LapiΓ±a, Director IV of OPAPRU LCT-FISU Mindanao. Ms. Arian Jane O. Ramos, President of Kalinaw SEMR, Inc., also shared words of encouragement. Representing the SCP recipients, Ms. Ida Marie G. Montero, former Secretary of Sub-Region 5, SMRC and Vice President for External Affairs of Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the recipients.

In his closing remarks, NAC Commissioner Ser-me L. Ayuyao stressed that the ceremony reflects the government’s enduring commitment to unity, healing, and lasting peace in Mindanao.

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