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26 July 2024 (Iloilo City) – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Iloilo City conducted a convergence meeting with partner agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), to strengthen coordination among offices. This aligns with the LABβs previous commitment to extend its information campaigns to coordinating partner agencies. The highlight of the meeting was the discussion of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and the application process flow of the governmentβs amnesty program, led by NAC Commissioner Jamar M. Kulayan.
OIC Regional Prosecutor Atty. Louie Doligosa, the Chairperson of LAB Iloilo, stated in his opening remarks that meetings like this aim βto strengthen our collaborative efforts in the implementation of the amnesty program. [It is] our commitment to peace and reconciliation for our fellow Filipinos and to welcome them into the folds of the law. Through a streamlined application process, we can ensure a more equitable society for all.β
The convergence meeting saw the presence of over 100 online participants, in addition to the physical attendees. It was also attended by OPAPRU Regional Adviser on Peace and Security, Major General Rene Glen Paje; Deputy Regional Director for Operations of Police Regional Office 6, Police Colonel Joriz Cantoria; Jail Chief Inspector Mark Malhabour; Senior Superintendent Vicente Papelera; Deputy Brigade Commander, 301st BDE, Colonel Manolito Montiel PA (MNSA); and LAB Iloilo members, Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica and Atty. Hilarion Firmeza, Jr., among others.
Numerous questions and concerns regarding the amnesty program were raised by members of the various partner agencies, including those attending virtually. Issues concerning information dissemination and the campaign to spread awareness of the amnesty program to the public and remote areas were addressed. Toward the end, everyone agreed on the need to streamline communication and coordination to ensure that each agency is well-equipped and oriented about the amnesty program.
Atty. Flosemer Chris Gonzales, Prosecutor II of the Office of the Regional Prosecutor VI, expressed that the amnesty program aims to transform communities and rebuild lives. Notably, Prosecutor Gonzales emphasized that βWhile we aspire for peace, we do not tolerate injustice. While we seek reconciliation, we must not allow our democratic processes to be subverted by those who seek to take advantage of the amnesty proclamations. We extend our hands to those who sincerely want peace.β
LAB Iloilo is set to further coordinate with frontline agencies to ensure the efficient flow of applications for amnesty. Overall, the participation of partner agencies in these coordination efforts is a testament to the collective desire to make society more accepting and inclusive.
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