17 February 2025 (Matuguinao, Samar) – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Catbalogan City, with the Special Project Team of Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity’s Area Management Unit in Eastern Visayas, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Aran Boller of Matuguinao, Samar, paving the way for an amnesty orientation for potential applicants.

The event marked a significant step towards reintegration, as 24 former rebels submitted their application forms and underwent initial interviews.

The preliminary assessment aimed to verify the narratives of the former rebels, ensuring their involvement fell within the guidelines of amnesty. As a requisite, Hon. Reynaldo dela Cruz, Barangay Chairman of Maduroto, Matuguinao, Samar, administered a mass oath of allegiance.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipal Local Government Operations Office, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Sangguniang Bayan Secretary, demonstrating their collective support for the reintegration process. Likewise, the logistical support extended by LAB Catbalogan Chairperson Governor Sharee Ann T. Tan was given due acknowledgment.

Notably, Matuguinao, one of the remotest municipalities in Samar, has made significant strides in achieving peace and development under Mayor Boller’s leadership.

The area, once heavily infiltrated by communist terrorist groups (CTGs), has witnessed a substantial number of surrenders, marking a turning point in its journey towards stability.

Photo courtesy of OPAPRU SPT Documentation

#BagongBuhaySaMapayapangBagongPilipinas