Thirteen former rebels received their Safe Conduct Passes from the National Amnesty Commission through the Local Amnesty Board of Catbalogan on December 16, 2025, at the 20th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Las Navas.
CATBALOGAN CITY (PIA) — The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan City received 763 amnesty applications as of December 31, 2025, leading the reconciliation initiative nationwide and highlighting strong local engagement despite logistical and security challenges.
Peace Program Officer III and LAB Secretariat Head Jazmine Odysaa B. Lutao reported that 424 applications are under verification, 195 are for case conferences, 14 have been completed with further investigation, and 130 have been resolved.
Applicants primarily come from areas under the 803rd Brigade (349), followed by the 802nd Brigade (155) and the 801st Brigade (97) of the Philippine Army. Additional applicants come from the Philippine National Police (137) and persons deprived of liberty (5).
Lutao reported that Northern Samar has the highest number of applications, followed by Samar and Eastern Samar, citing geography, weather disruptions, and ongoing security concerns as persistent challenges.
“We are grateful for the full support of partner agencies. Despite the challenges, Catbalogan has received the highest number of applications nationwide,” she said, noting that typhoons have impacted activity scheduling across Eastern Visayas.
With the March 13, 2026, deadline approaching, the LAB has intensified coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and continues to conduct facility visits to reach applicants in detention.
Required documents include a valid ID, a 2×2 photo, a JAPIC certificate, a custodial debriefing or tactical interview report, and case-related records, as applicable.
Aside from the number of applications, the program emphasizes a safe reintegration process. Lutao emphasized that amnesty extinguishes criminal liability for political offenses and restores rights, with a Safe Conduct Pass (SCP) ensuring safe passage and protection from warrantless arrests. Recently, SCP coverage expanded in parts of San Jose de Buan.
For families affected by conflict, the program’s impact is deeply personal. In Barangay Bulao, Las Navas, Northern Samar, Yolanda Angeles, the sister of a former rebel who has passed away, publicly appealed for others to return to civilian life.
“Now is the right time to come down and surrender. There are ways to start again and seek help,” she said, urging reconciliation and support for livelihoods.
Former combatants who received SCPs reported feelings of relief and enhanced security. One female beneficiary stated that the ceremony reaffirmed a “second chance” and offered protection from arrest, allowing her to rebuild her life.
A male recipient mentioned that the documents provided “security and reassurance,” facilitating free movement while awaiting the President’s decision. Another former rebel encouraged those still in the mountains to return, highlighting access to livelihoods and ongoing government support.
The LAB Catbalogan received a Certificate of Recognition in November 2025 as the local amnesty board with the highest number of applications, in recognition of its contribution to the effective implementation of the amnesty program.
As the deadline approached, Lutao renewed the call to remaining applicants, especially those still in remote areas, to submit their applications and reunite with their families through the amnesty process. (AAC, PIA Samar)
Credits: Philippine Information Agency. All rights belong to the rightful owners.
