TACLOBAN CITY — As part of ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in Northern Samar, former rebels were formally assisted in their transition back to civilian life through the issuance of safe conduct passes and an orientation on the government’s Amnesty Program in the town of Mapanas.
The activity was spearheaded by the 78th Infantry Battalion in coordination with the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)–Catbalogan City.
During the ceremony, 20 former rebels were issued safe conduct passes, while 15 others took part in the amnesty orientation and application process.
The event aimed to inform and guide beneficiaries on the procedures and requirements of the government’s Amnesty Program, which offers former rebels the opportunity to seek amnesty in exchange for surrender and cooperation with authorities.
Present during the activity were Colonel Ericson Rosana, deputy brigade commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade; Jazmine Odyssa Lutao, peace program officer III and LAB secretariat head; Mapanas Sangguniang Bayan member and peace and order committee chair Councilor Luckie Longcop, representing Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano; Captain Marco Estillero, acting chief of the Mapanas Municipal Police Station; Public Attorney’s Office–Gamay District lawyer Marc Aleh Morallos; and LAB-Catbalogan City legal officer Gelyn P. Diaz-Omanito.
Officials expressed their support for the former rebels and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace-building, unity, and inclusive development in local communities.
Lieutenant Colonel Francis Rosales, commanding officer of the 78th IB, thanked the participating agencies for their continued cooperation and commended the former rebels, also known as Friends Rescued, for their decision to return to the fold of the law.
The activity highlighted the sustained collaboration among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Amnesty Commission, local government units, and other partner agencies under the Whole-of-Nation Approach to achieving lasting peace and development in Northern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
