TACLOBAN CITY — The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan has ramped up its peace and reconciliation initiatives by conducting a series of amnesty orientations and intake activities for former rebels (FRs) across Samar Island, reinforcing the national government’s effort to promote reintegration and lasting peace in conflict-affected areas.
In coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and various government agencies, LAB Catbalogan held sessions in Arteche, Eastern Samar; Catubig and Las Navas, Northern Samar; and Catarman, Northern Samar. Over 60 former rebels participated, expressing their commitment to return to the folds of the law and rebuild their lives within their communities.
The first activity took place at Balay Darangpan in Catarman, Northern Samar—a halfway house managed by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO)—where 36 former combatants attended the orientation upon the request of PSWDO Head Jenny Darish. Processing of their amnesty applications is scheduled for early October.
In Barangay Garden, Arteche, Eastern Samar, 14 former rebels formally applied for amnesty in partnership with the 801st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion led by PLT Donald Trazona, representing PCPT Dominique Ordonio. Legal counsel was provided by Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyers Atty. Gelyn Diaz-Omanito and Atty. Alejandro Sumayod Jr.
Further orientations were conducted for seven former rebels from Barangay San Jorge, Las Navas, and another seven from Catubig, in collaboration with the 19th and 20th Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army.
Peace Program Officer III Jazmine Odyssa Lutao discussed the amnesty program’s objectives and procedures, while Atty. Diaz-Omanito clarified the scope of crimes covered under the amnesty proclamation. The sessions culminated with the participants taking their oath of allegiance before PAO lawyers Atty. Ultra and Atty. Mae Lisette Espina.
During the Northern Samar activity, Colonel Ericson Rosana, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, reaffirmed the military’s support to the province’s peacebuilding efforts, underscoring the importance of the amnesty program in sustaining regional stability and reconciliation.
LAB Catbalogan reaffirmed its commitment to continue facilitating the government’s national amnesty program, ensuring that former rebels are granted a second chance to reintegrate peacefully and become productive members of society.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
