TACLOBAN CITY – The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) is expanding its efforts in Eastern Visayas to support the reintegration of former insurgents into mainstream society.
In the region, the local amnesty boards, both in Tacloban City for Leyte and Catbalogan City for Samar Island have processed a combined total of 434 applications.
These boards play a crucial role in facilitating the amnesty process, ensuring that applicants fully understand the conditions and commitments required for their reintegration.
Lawyer Leah Tanodra Armamento, NAC chairperson clarified, that the NAC cannot guarantee that all former rebels will not return to insurgency after receiving government interventions.
“Actually, we cannot assure that they will not go back, but for us, the government is giving them the opportunity to make their lives better,” Armamento said during the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ of the Philippine Information Agency on Tuesday, March 18.
Moreover, local amnesty boards offer livelihood programs, scholarships for children, and financial assistance to help former rebels establish a stable future.
“These interventions include financial assistance, livelihood programs, scholarships for their children, and even PhilHealth IDs for some applicants,” Armamento stated.
The government’s approach to amnesty focuses on providing opportunities for a better life, although it cannot guarantee that all applicants will fully reintegrate into society.
(LANCE ARCHIE TORING, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
