Northern samar: Nine former rebels in Northern Samar and six others in Leyte have been issued safe conduct passes (SCPs), signaling continued progress in the government's Amnesty Program aimed at promoting peaceful reintegration and reducing local armed conflict.
According to Philippines News Agency, in Northern Samar, the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)-Catbalogan, released SCPs to nine beneficiaries during a ceremony held Monday at the headquarters of the Philippine Army's (PA) 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Opong, Catubig town. The activity, conducted in partnership with the PA's 803rd Infantry Brigade and the Northern Samar Provincial Police Office, formed part of intensified efforts to support former members of communist terrorist groups who are returning to mainstream society.
To date, 69 former rebels supervised by the 19th IB have filed for amnesty. Of these, 23 have already been issued SCPs, including the nine new recipients. Fourteen more applicants are expected to receive their passes in the coming days. Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, commander of the 19th IB, welcomed the beneficiaries and emphasized the role of the amnesty program in strengthening peace and stability in the province. 'The issuance, done in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), demonstrated the government's continuing commitment to a transparent and humane reintegration process,' Rosalejos said in an interview.
LAB-Catbalogan peace program officer Jazmine Odyssa Lutao and legal officer Gelyn Diaz-Omanito assisted in the processing of applications ahead of the program's March 2026 deadline. In Leyte, the LAB-Tacloban issued SCPs to six applicants during a Dec. 4, 2025 activity in Tacloban City. LAB-Tacloban acknowledged the support of city police chief Col. Noelito Getigan for ensuring a smooth and orderly evaluation, as well as Bhea Janine Gozo, peace program officer and LAB-Tacloban secretary, for coordinating documentation and assisting applicants throughout the process.
LAB-Tacloban also expressed gratitude to all partners and applicants for their cooperation in the government's ongoing peacebuilding and reintegration initiatives. SCPs are documents that grant temporary protection from arrest, detention, or prosecution for covered offenses, allowing them safe passage and freedom to complete their amnesty applications and reintegrate into society.
