The Local Amnesty Board of Catbalogan City (LAB Catbalogan City) held its first case conference on amnesty applications from Former Rebels (FRs) of the CPP-NPA-NDF at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Samar Provincial Police Office in Catbalogan City.

During the conference, ten (10) validated applications were deliberated. Of these, six (6) are ready for LAB resolution and endorsement to the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Central Office, while four (4) are pending additional verification requirements.

The endorsed LAB resolutions will undergo further review by the NAC Executive Committee before being forwarded to the NAC En Banc for final resolution, which will then be submitted to the Office of the President. Only the President of the Republic of the Philippines has the authority to grant or deny amnesty.

Governor Sharee Ann T. Tan, Chairperson of LAB Catbalogan City, was represented by Ms. Golda Meir Tabao. Other members present included Regional Prosecutor Atty. Irwin Maraya (Vice Chairperson), Provincial Prosecutor Atty. Luz Lampasa, Philippine National Police Regional Director for Region 8, Police Brigadier General Jay R. Cumigad (represented by Police Colonel Eric Antonieto Mendoza), and Deputy Brigade Commander of the 801st Brigade, Philippine Army, Colonel Carmelito Pangatungan (represented by Major Benmar Entoma).

The LAB members expressed appreciation for the support of the LAB Secretariat, led by Ms. Jazmine Odyssa B. Lutao, whose facilitation and preparation of documentary requirements ensured the smooth conduct of the proceedings.

This milestone marks a significant step toward healing, forgiveness, and reintegration, bringing renewed hope to the 378 total applicants seeking amnesty from December 10, 2024, to April 22, 2025.

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