23 September 2025 (Catbalogan, Samar) – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan, Samar, attended a press conference alongside LtCol Edgar C. Odevilas, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations of the Samar Police Provincial Office; LtCol Joemar N. Buban, Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, 8th Infantry Division PA; and Ms. Imelda C. Bonifacio, Program Manager of OPAPRU AMU Eastern Visayas. The event was spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Samar through its program, “Kapihan sa PIA Samar”, and was held at the Lucas Wharf Restaurant in Catbalogan City.

During the press conference, LtCol Buban of the AFP provided an update on the status of the insurgency. He added that their focus is not only on combat operations but also on helping to promote peace and development. On the other hand, PLtCol Odevilas of the PNP discussed its newly launched “Bugas para han Armas” or Balik-Armas Program. According to him, the program is designed to encourage people to voluntarily surrender loose firearms without fear of legal implications. He stated that the program aims to ensure public safety while also providing immediate support to families through rice incentives.

Lastly, Ms. Bonifacio of OPAPRU discussed her office’s mission and vision. She noted that community engagement is always necessary for project implementation, and peacebuilders serve as their bridge to the community. A series of questions and clarifications from the media followed.

The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan, Samar, represented by Peace Program Officer III Jasmine Odyssa Lutao, also shared information about the government’s Amnesty Program. She further provided updates on the number of applicants, the target number of applicants for October, and the upcoming issuance of Safe Conduct Passes to some applicants.

The “Kapihan sa PIA Samar” was an excellent platform for LAB Catbalogan to share with the public, through the media, the Amnesty Program.

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