CATUBIG, Northern Samar — Efforts to peacefully reintegrate former rebels into mainstream society continue to advance in Eastern Visayas, with 15 former members of communist terrorist groups in Northern Samar and Leyte recently receiving Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) under the government’s Amnesty Program.

The SCPs, which grant temporary legal protection and mobility while applicants complete their amnesty requirements, were issued in two separate activities facilitated by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) through its Local Amnesty Boards (LABs).

In Northern Samar, nine former rebels formally received their SCPs during a ceremony on December 4, 2025, at the headquarters of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion in Brgy. Opong, Catubig. The event was conducted in coordination with the 803rd Infantry Brigade and the Northern Samar Provincial Police Office.

To date, 69 former rebels under the supervision of the 19IB have applied for amnesty, with 23 already granted SCPs — including the latest batch. Fourteen additional applicants are expected to receive theirs soon, marking steady progress toward the March 2026 deadline.
Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, 19IB commander, welcomed the beneficiaries and emphasized the role of the amnesty program in strengthening peace and stability across Northern Samar. Other officials also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting former rebels seeking a lawful and peaceful transition.

Imelda Bonifacio of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said the program recognizes the struggles faced by former combatants and aims to provide assistance rather than punishment.

Police Lt. Col. Joel Nicha, deputy provincial director for administration, underscored that SCPs ensure secure movement for applicants as they complete remaining documentation.
Col. Ericson Rosana, deputy brigade commander of the 803rd Brigade, noted that the initiative reflects the government’s intention to protect former rebels as they rebuild their lives.

Also present were LAB–Catbalogan peace program officer Jazmine Odyssa B. Lutao and legal officer Atty. Gelyn Diaz-Omanito, who helped process applications.

In Leyte, the LAB Tacloban issued SCPs to six former rebels during a November 12, 2025 activity in Tacloban City, held in close coordination with the Philippine National Police. PCol. Noelito Getigan, PNP LAB alternate member, ensured a smooth implementation, while peace program officer and LAB secretary Bhea Janine Gozo managed documentation and applicant support.

The two activities underscore growing momentum in the national amnesty initiative as security, peace, and local government agencies in Samar and Leyte work together to provide lawful pathways for former rebels returning to civilian life — fostering safer and more resilient communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The House committee on transportation has approved a measure to establish a full-fledged Land Transportation Office (LTO) district office in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, aiming to improve access to government transportation services across the province.

Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, principal author of House Bill No. 4630, said the proposed office will upgrade the existing LTO extension in Guiuan, providing expanded services, additional personnel, and enhanced capabilities.

The bill is co-authored by House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan.

“With Eastern Samar’s rapid development, public services must keep pace. This new LTO district office will benefit motorists, commuters, and the local economy,” Gonzales said.
The new office will become the province’s second LTO district, joining the main office in Borongan City, and will handle key services such as driver’s license issuance and renewal, motor vehicle registration and inspection, and road safety enforcement.

Eastern Samar has been one of the fastest-growing provinces in Eastern Visayas, with a 10.2-percent economic growth in 2024, surpassing even Tacloban City, the regional capital, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Proves art’s power to promote global peace

MANILA– The Philippines has reached a historic milestone after a Filipino student won the country’s first-ever Gold Award in Division 3 at the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition organized by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG).
The global competition gathered 15,932 artworks from 40 countries, highlighting young artists shared hope for a peaceful world.

The Gold Award in Division 3 was awarded to Prince R.M.B. Ikan of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo–Bailen Integrated School. His winning artwork depicts a dove and people of different races holding hands, symbolizing unity, harmony, and mutual understanding beyond borders.
“Through simple images and calm colors, this drawing delivers a powerful message for all people to understand each other, not to fight, and to be united as one. Let’s all become messengers of peace,” said Prince Ikan.

Other outstanding Filipino young artists were also recognized on the global stage: Division 1 – Silver Award: Althea Cleona Q. Dela Rea, Limay Community School; Division 3 – Bronze Award: Anica Jeine Hiso, Kapalong National High School; Division 3 – Bronze Award: Zaijan V. Sumbong, St. Francis National High School.

Honorable mentions were Rafael Joseph Solis (University of Batangas), Prince Marlloyd Sualog (Limay Senior High School),and Frances Cyrus Guzman (Limay Senior High School).
The grand prize was awarded to Tasfiha Tahsin of Bangladesh for her artwork “The Cry for Peace,” a moving portrayal of a child praying amid war, symbolizing humanity’s deep longing for peace.

The International Loving-Peace Art Competition was created to teach children and youth the true meaning of peace through art. By expressing their ideas of harmony, empathy, and coexistence through drawing, students are empowered to become active builders of peace in their communities and across nations. The competition promotes the practice of peace as a daily lifestyle, not merely an ideal.

“Peace is like life, so we must teach it to the youth. These students will grow up to be the changemakers who contribute to global peace,” said Mr. Soon-kyu Hwang, Head Judge of the competition.

“Children who learn the meaning of peace through art become steadfast seeds, spreading peace in their communities and beyond.

They are the true heroes of our time,” said IWPG Chairwoman Na Yeong Jeon.
This year’s theme, “How can we practice peace and make it a reality in our daily lives?”, encouraged young artists around the world to transform their hopes into visual messages of peace.

With this landmark achievement, the Philippines has proudly made its mark on the international peace stage, proving that Filipino youth are not only talented creators but also powerful messengers of peace.

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) is a global peace organization registered with the UN ECOSOC and DGC, with 115 branches in 122 countries and partnerships with 800 organizations worldwide. IWPG empowers women and youth through peace education, leadership programs, and advocacy for global peace initiatives such as the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).(PR)