TACLOBAN CITY – A group of former rebels from Samar province, now undergoing reintegration into society, have formally applied for amnesty at the National Amnesty Commission.
At least 23 former rebels submitted their applications during an Amnesty Orientation and Initial Acceptance of Amnesty Applications held at the headquarters of the 87th Infantry Battalion in Poblacion 2, San Jose de Buan, Samar.
The event was led by Jazmine Odyssa Lutao of the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)-Catbalogan.
The orientation, designed as part of the healing and reintegration process, aimed to help participants transition smoothly back into their communities.
Lutao provided a detailed explanation of the program’s requirements, emphasizing its purpose: to resolve pending cases against former rebels while offering them a meaningful opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Lutao also addressed participants’ concerns and clarified questions about the amnesty program during the session.
Following the orientation, the former members of the New People’s Army, the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines, took their oath of alliance and underwent an interview process.
The Local Amnesty Board-Catbalogan anticipates receiving an additional 32 amnesty applications during the next round of orientation and application activities.
Present at the event were officials of the 87th Infantry Battalion led by LtCol Francis Rugayan, department heads from the San Jose de Buan local government, and barangay officials.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
