TACLOBAN CITY — Thirteen former rebels formally received their Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) during a joint amnesty orientation and ceremonial issuance held on Tuesday, January 27, at the headquarters of the 502nd Combat Engineer Battalion in Barangay Lalawigan, Borongan City.
The recipients were among those who applied for government amnesty on July 9, 2025.
During the same activity, 14 additional former rebels submitted their applications for the government’s amnesty program.
The event was conducted in coordination with the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)–Catbalogan, led by Peace Program Officer III Jazmine Odyssa Lutao, with the assistance of 63rd Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos; Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office Director Col. Ernesto Macasil; Provincial Peace and Order Focal Person Engr. Joselito Mutia; and lawyer Emmanuel Apelado of the Public Attorney’s Office in Borongan City.
Officials who attended the activity delivered messages of support, emphasizing the importance of reintegration, respect for the rule of law, and sustainable development in conflict-affected communities.
The issuance of SCPs underscores the government’s commitment to peace, reconciliation, and community development by providing former rebels with a lawful pathway toward productive participation in society.
Prior to the distribution, the recipients were briefed on the guidelines, conditions, and responsibilities attached to the Safe Conduct Pass.
Implemented in 2026, the government has set March 13, 2026 as the deadline for amnesty applications for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front. The Executive Committee of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), however, is seeking to extend the amnesty program until March 16, 2028.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
