Amnesty window closing
TACLOBAN CITY — With just weeks before the March 13, 2026 cutoff, government peace officials are urging qualified former rebels in Eastern Visayas to file their amnesty applications or risk losing the opportunity for legal relief and reintegration.
During a media briefing here on February 26, representatives of the Local Amnesty Boards (LAB) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said processing of applications is ongoing but emphasized that submissions will no longer be accepted after the deadline.
Bhea Janine Gozo of LAB Tacloban called on eligible applicants to complete their documentary requirements and personally appear before their respective boards.
“Qualified applicants should submit their documents and appear before the board as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline,” Gozo said.
Data presented during the briefing showed strong response to the amnesty program across Eastern Visayas.
The Local Amnesty Board Tacloban has received 610 applications as of February 26. Of these, 576 applicants are from Leyte, 13 from Eastern Samar, 11 from Southern Leyte, five from Northern Samar, four from Samar province, and one from Region IV-A.
Meanwhile, the Local Amnesty Board Catbalogan reported 1,253 applications. Of the total, 847 are under verification, 276 are scheduled for case conference, and 130 have been resolved and transmitted to the National Amnesty Commission for final action.
Separate data showed that 57 applications have been processed under the Local Amnesty Board covering Tacloban City and nearby areas, including 53 applicants from Leyte and four from Eastern Samar.
Under the amnesty program, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the government and submit supporting documents for identity verification and case evaluation.
Local Amnesty Boards are responsible for receiving and assessing applications, validating the identity of applicants, and endorsing qualified individuals to the National Amnesty Commission for approval.
The initiative forms part of the national government’s broader peace and reconciliation agenda aimed at helping former combatants return to mainstream society without fear of prosecution for covered offenses, while promoting lasting stability in conflict-affected communities.
Officials stressed that there is no indication yet whether the national government will extend the March 13 deadline.
“We encourage those who are qualified not to wait until the last minute,” a LAB representative said, underscoring that applications filed beyond the deadline will no longer be entertained.
ROEL T. AMAZONA)
