PLACER, Surigao del Norte — The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) issued a total of 61 Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to peace advocates and amnesty applicants during a ceremony held on October 30, 2025, at the VCDU Prince Hotel in Butuan City.
The distribution of SCPs reflects the NAC’s inclusive and community-centered approach to implementing the government’s amnesty program, directly engaging grassroots peace advocates from five associations across Caraga Region.
The Safe Conduct Pass serves as a key legal safeguard for individuals who are not under detention but have voluntarily expressed their intent to surrender and apply for amnesty, particularly those associated with the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP–NPA–NDF).
Under the program, SCP holders are granted temporary immunity from arrest, suspension of ongoing court proceedings, and deferment of Department of Justice investigations. Additionally, rewards for their capture are temporarily lifted. These protections cover offenses committed prior to November 22, 2023, and remain valid until the President acts on their amnesty applications.
The October issuance follows earlier distributions of SCPs in the region—144 on September 8, 2025, witnessed by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., and 21 on July 1, 2025, during the activation of the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Caraga. In total, 226 former rebels have received SCPs under the ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts.
The initiative was made possible through the collective commitment of former rebels who have renounced armed struggle and returned to the folds of the law, with the full support of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte led by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante.
The NAC also acknowledged the close coordination among partner agencies, including the AFP, PNP, DSWD, DOH, DA, DILG, TESDA, DOLE, DTI, PAO, OPAPRU, and the local government units (LGUs) involved.
This continued collaboration among national and local agencies underscores the government’s dedication to sustaining peace, reconciliation, and reintegration efforts across Mindanao.