TACLOBAN CITY – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB)in Catbalogan City has partnered with the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in the implementation of the national government’s amnesty program for former members of the New People’s Army(NPA).
Since March of this year, PAO lawyers have been actively assisting LAB Catbalogan by providing legal support in processing amnesty applications.
“This is welcome news. In Samar, PAO is very willing to join every activity. It’s good because they also provide guidance and legal advice,” said Emilda Bonifacio, Eastern Visayas area manager of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
OPAPRU plays a key role in implementing the amnesty program by coordinating with various agencies and assisting applicants in preparing their personal narratives.
Bonifacio shared that PAO lawyers are helping former rebels in drafting affidavits and other legal documents, as well as facilitating the oath of allegiance—a task previously carried out by barangay chairpersons.
“Before, the barangay captain could administer the oath, but now only a lawyer is allowed to do so,” Bonifacio added.
In addition to the support from PAO, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has also committed to provide additional lawyers to help review the growing number of amnesty applications.
“There is a lot of work involved in reviewing the documents. It’s not just about showing up to apply—you need to gather many supporting documents, and they must be thoroughly cross-checked,” Bonifacio said.
As of this writing, 363 amnesty applications have been received by LAB Catbalogan from the three provinces of Samar Island.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
