13 February 2025 (Las Navas, Northern Samar) – In a significant step towards lasting peace, 19 former rebels voluntarily showed up and took their oath of allegiance to the government at the 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB) Camp in Barangay San Jorge, Las Navas, Northern Samar to avail of the national Amnesty Program.

The Amnesty applicants underwent an orientation on the government’s Amnesty program facilitated by the Local Amnesty Board Secretariat in Catbalogan City with the support of the OPAPRU’s Special Project Team (SPT) in the province.

LTC Richard Villaflor, Commanding Officer of the 20IB and Maj Maynard Ganar, Battalion Ex-o, welcomed the applicants and witnessed their oath-taking ceremony along with Ms. Roname Lian Unay, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO), Police Captain Jimmy C. Tubigan, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Barangay Chairman of San Jorge, Las Navas.

The oath of allegiance marks the former rebels’ commitment to support the government’s efforts in promoting a just and lasting peace.

This development is seen as a positive step towards achieving peace and stability in the region, and the government’s amnesty program is expected to continue attracting more former rebels to return to the fold of the law.

Photos courtesy of SPT Ireneo Teves Cabradilla

#BagongBuhaySaMapayapangBagongPilipinas