GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur — In a significant boost to the government’s peace and reconciliation drive, the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion of the Philippine Army, under the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, ceremonially issued Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to 40 Friends Rescued (FRs)—all amnesty applicants—on January 21, 2026 at Camp Major David P. Sabido, Battalion Headquarters in Poblacion, Guipos.
Led by Lt. Col. Rolando E. Vargas Jr., the ceremony marked another milestone in the government’s comprehensive Amnesty Program, which provides legal protection and a clear pathway for former combatants who have voluntarily renounced armed struggle and committed to reintegration into mainstream society.
Beyond the formal issuance, the event underscored the State’s renewed commitment to reconciliation and nation-building. The SCPs assure amnesty applicants of legal security as they undergo judicial processes and transition to civilian life—opening doors to family reunification, livelihood opportunities, and meaningful participation in community development.
The activity also highlighted a whole-of-nation approach to peacebuilding, reflecting close coordination among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, legal institutions, and civil society to sustain peace, stability, and inclusive growth across Zamboanga del Sur.
Key leaders from the security and legal sectors witnessed the ceremony, including Col. Manaros M. Boransing II, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade; PLt. Col. Christopher M. Mendoza, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations of the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office; and Ms. Fatima Nurmie Ninting, Paralegal of the Local Amnesty Board in Pagadian City. Their presence reflected a shared vision of unity, accountability, and lasting peace.
Operating under the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, the 53rd Infantry Battalion reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to protecting and assisting FRs as they rebuild their lives—reinforcing its vital role in fostering a safer, more peaceful, and progressive Zamboanga del Sur.