24 September 2025 (Arteche, Eastern Samar) – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan, Samar, in partnership with the 801st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, held an orientation and intake for 14 former rebels (FRs) in Brgy. Garden, Arteche, Eastern Samar.

During the orientation, Deputy Company Commander PLT Donald Trazona, as representative of PCPT Dominique G. Ordonio, Officer-in-Charge, assured the FRs of their commitment to helping them clear their records and return to the folds of law. LAB Catbalogan’s Peace Program Officer III, Jasmine Odyssa Lutao, provided details about the government’s Amnesty Program, while Legal Officer Atty. Gelyn Diaz-Omanito explained the specific crimes covered. Peace Program Officer II Hazellyn Borja then outlined the intake process.

Initially, ten (10) former rebels decided to apply for amnesty and took their oath before Atty. Alejandro S. Sumayod, Jr., of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). Following further clarifications, the remaining four (4) also submitted their applications, bringing the total number of applicants to fourteen (14).

After the intake, Ms. Lutao thanked Atty. Sumayod for providing individual applicants with supplementary explanations before notarizing their forms and oaths. Despite challenging weather, the LAB Catbalogan team demonstrated its dedication to assisting the FRs throughout the application process.

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