TACLOBAN CITY — As part of the government’s continuing peace and reconciliation efforts, the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the 802nd Infantry Brigade, supported an amnesty orientation and application program in Villaba, Leyte, aimed at helping former rebels return to civilian life.
The activity was held at the Villaba Municipal Function Hall and gathered 30 former rebels from Barangay Cagnocot in Villaba town and Poblacion 1 in Tabango. The orientation was facilitated by Peace Program Officer II Bhea Janine Gozo, who explained the amnesty process and guided participants through the requirements for formal application.
To ensure clarity on legal matters, Atty. Jared Anthony Bandalan provided a briefing on the scope of offenses covered by the amnesty proclamation, the documentary requirements, and the intake interview procedures to be conducted by the Local Amnesty Board Secretariat.
The event coincided with the anniversary of the Amnesty Proclamations and marked the official launch of the 100-day countdown to the application deadline, underscoring the urgency of encouraging qualified former combatants to avail themselves of the program.
The 93rd Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, said it remains committed to working closely with the 802nd Infantry Brigade and the National Amnesty Commission to streamline the application process and ensure the safety and welfare of applicants in Northern Leyte.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
