TACLOBAN CITY – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Tacloban City convened its first case conference on Tuesday, July 9, to review the amnesty applications of 10 former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, marking a significant milestone in the city’s localized peace and reconciliation efforts.
The case conference, held at Tacloban City Hall in Kanhuraw Hill, was facilitated under the guidance of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) and in accordance with Proclamation No. 404, which grants amnesty to qualified individuals who have renounced armed struggle and seek to rejoin mainstream society.
Presiding over the session was LAB Chair and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, joined by key board members including Police Brigade General Jay Cumigad, Major John Paner, Regional Prosecutor Irwin Maraya, Atty. Sharilee Angela Mauro, and Atty. Ivy Ann Carba.
According to the National Amnesty Commission, this initial case conference reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive peace-building by providing former rebels with a legal, dignified, and transparent path toward reintegration.
“Every story of transformation is a step toward national healing. The amnesty process offers a second chance—not just for individuals, but for communities and the country as a whole,” the NAC said in a statement.
Each of the 10 applicants was given an opportunity to present their personal narrative, detailing their previous involvement with insurgent groups, the circumstances that led to their surrender, and their current efforts to reintegrate into society.
The LAB assessed each application with due diligence, considering both the sincerity of admission and the eligibility criteria under the amnesty proclamation.
Under Proclamation No. 404, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., amnesty may be granted to members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) who voluntarily surrender and publicly renounce violence, provided they meet the requirements laid out by the Commission.
Once granted, amnesty allows for the expungement of criminal records related to rebellion or political offenses, the restoration of civil and political rights, and access to government support programs, including livelihood and housing assistance.
Mayor Romualdez emphasized the broader impact of the program on local peace-building.
“This is more than a legal process—it’s a chance to rebuild lives, reunite families, and strengthen communities,” he said. “By embracing peace, we give these individuals the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.”
The National Amnesty Commission lauded Tacloban’s proactive stance, noting that the city is among the first in Eastern Visayas to initiate formal case conferences under the new amnesty framework.
As the country continues to implement localized peace strategies, the NAC expressed optimism that more local government units will follow suit, enabling former insurgents to transition from conflict to citizenship in a structured and lawful manner.
“Healing takes time, but it starts with listening and believing in second chances. Through the amnesty process, we are not only closing chapters of conflict—we are opening new chapters of peace,” the NAC added.
The applications from Tuesday’s session are now under evaluation and will be forwarded for further review and resolution by the NAC central office.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
