San isidro: The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in this city, in collaboration with the Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade (IB), initiated an Amnesty Orientation and Application Caravan at the Peace and Prosperity Village in Barangay Daja Daku, San Isidro, Leyte. This event commemorates the anniversary of the National Amnesty Proclamation and is part of a 100-day countdown leading up to the filing deadline.
According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Rico Amaro, deputy commander of the 802nd IB, encouraged former rebels and other eligible persons to take advantage of the government program. He emphasized its importance in achieving lasting peace and facilitating reintegration. Amaro explained that amnesty is distinct from a pardon as it erases crimes and restores civil and political rights. He noted that even those who surrender must file for amnesty to clarify their status, especially if facing any charges.
LAB-Tacloban Senior Administrative Assistant Carl Joseph Austria provided participants with information on the caravan's objectives and the benefits for qualified applicants. Lawyer Ginalyn Moralde from the Public Attorney's Office discussed the legal bases of the program and the offenses it covers. Applications will be accepted until March 13, 2026, and if granted, applicants will have their civil and political rights fully restored, allowing them to reintegrate into community and family life.
The amnesty covers crimes such as rebellion, sedition, disloyalty of public officers or employees, illegal assembly, illegal association, direct assault, indirect assault, defiance of authority, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, unlawful utterances, and alarm and scandal. However, it does not cover crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, rape, crimes against chastity, acts of lasciviousness, corruption of minors, abduction, massacre, illegal drug offenses, and violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Prior to the San Isidro caravan, LAB-Tacloban had already received 211 amnesty applications from former rebels in Leyte. The Peace and Prosperity Village serves as a resettlement site for former rebels in the province, providing them with a new home where they can lead a normal life and embrace peace and development.
