TACLOBAN CITY — The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) Tacloban, in coordination with the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, launched an amnesty orientation and application caravan at the Peace and Prosperity Village in Sitio Limite, Barangay Daja Daku, San Isidro on Nov. 28.

The activity marked the anniversary of the national amnesty proclamation and kicked off the 100-day countdown before the deadline for filing amnesty applications.

The caravan is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide a lawful and humane pathway for former rebels and qualified individuals to return to mainstream society, have their civil and political rights restored, and permanently detach from armed struggle.

Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Rico Amaro urged former rebels and eligible applicants to take advantage of the program, stressing its long-term benefits for personal rehabilitation and peace-building.

“This is not like a pardon wherein you are merely forgiven for the crimes you committed,” Amaro explained. “With amnesty, it erases your crimes and reconstitutes your civil and political rights. Even if you surrender, you still need to file for amnesty so you will know your status if there are cases filed against you.”

Participants were also oriented on the legal and procedural aspects of the program.
LAB Tacloban administrative assistant Carl Joseph Austria presented the goals and benefits of the caravan, while Public Attorney’s Office lawyer Atty. Ginalyn Moralde discussed the legal bases for amnesty and the types of offenses covered.

The session also featured a testimonial from a former New People’s Army member who now lives in the Peace and Prosperity Village.

Speaking under the alias “Lisa,” she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to rebuild her life.

“I am grateful because I was given the chance to have a home and a new life… I am fortunate that I did not die in the mountains — I was able to return home and I am still alive,” she said.

Former members of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB, MILF, and MNLF have until March 4, 2026 to file for amnesty, while qualified members of the CPP–NPA–NDF may apply until March 13, 2026, provided they have pending cases related to rebellion, sedition, or similar offenses against the government.

If granted amnesty by the President, applicants will have their civil and political rights restored, allowing them a clear path to reintegration, access to government services, and renewed participation in their families and communities.

Offenses covered by amnesty include rebellion, sedition, disloyalty of public officers or employees, illegal assembly, illegal association, direct and indirect assault, defiance of authority, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, unlawful utterances, and alarm and scandal.

Offenses excluded from amnesty include 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.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Barangay 1 in Jaro, Leyte now have a fully upgraded multi-purpose building after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office completed the two-phase construction of the new barangay hall.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the 300-square-meter facility was finished in two stages to ensure efficient and quality implementation, covering structural, architectural, electrical, and plumbing works.

The new building will serve as a venue for administrative operations, community meetings, and emergency response activities.

Barangay chairwoman Maria Fe Linda Corsanes said the structure replaces their old deteriorating hall and thanked the DPWH for delivering a safer and more functional space for the community.

The project was funded through the 2024 and 2025 General Appropriations Act and carried out by Kamari Construction & Supply.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) has cited journalists from the Leyte Samar Daily Express (LSDE) for their role in supporting education initiatives through responsible and consistent reporting, as the agency honored partners who have helped advance basic education in Eastern Visayas.

The recognition was given during a ceremony on Thursday at Madison Park Hotel held on Nov.27 where DepEd Regional Director Ronelo Al Firmo said that education flourishes through shared responsibility across sectors.

Among the 60 awardees were 13 journalists—including Joey A. Gabieta of LSDE and the Philippine Daily Inquirer; and writers Lizbeth Ann A. Abella and Roel T. Amazona—along with private lending institutions, non-government organizations, local officials, national government agencies, a private school-building donor, and international partners.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and External Partnerships Cilette Liboro Co emphasized that collaboration opens opportunities for learners, citing successful projects with UNESCO and KOICA that benefited girls and out-of-school female students in Leyte.

The ceremony, themed “Kabalikat sa Pag-aaral: Uniting Hearts, Transforming Education,” highlighted the value of appreciation and sustained partnerships to ensure that no learner is left behind.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)