MAIMBUNG, Sulu — Government peacebuilding efforts took a visible step forward on February 20, 2026, as the 1103rd Infantry (Kalis) Brigade of the Philippine Army joined the local government of Maimbung in the ceremonial issuance of a Safe Conduct Pass (SCP) to an amnesty applicant at the municipal hall.
The activity was spearheaded by the National Amnesty Commission through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)-Sulu and highlighted the government’s continuing push for reconciliation, reintegration, and sustainable peace in the province. Officials said the ceremony also signaled a strengthened collaboration between security forces, local authorities, and religious leaders in addressing long-standing conflict issues in the area.
Leading the ceremony were LAB-Sulu officials headed by its chairperson and board members, alongside key representatives from the military, police, and local government. Among those present were Maimbung Municipal Mayor Shihla Tan-Hayudini, 1103rd Brigade Commander Emmanuel L. Cabasan, Deputy Commander Abdelhalem Sakilan, and Sulu Provincial Police Office representative Kris Conrad Gutierez. Members of the Sulu Ulama Council and the LAB-Sulu secretariat also attended the ceremony, underscoring the broad sectoral support behind the initiative.
Officials emphasized that the Safe Conduct Pass is a crucial element of the National Amnesty Program. The document allows qualified applicants to safely process their amnesty applications without fear of arrest or detention for offenses covered under the amnesty proclamation. Authorities said the program offers former rebels a formal pathway to return to civilian life while helping communities move toward healing and stability.
The 1103rd Infantry (Kalis) Brigade reaffirmed its full backing of the amnesty process, assuring that it will continue to assist the National Amnesty Commission and the Local Amnesty Board in ensuring a secure and orderly implementation of the program in Sulu. Military leaders stressed that the initiative is not only about legal procedures but also about rebuilding trust and encouraging those still in armed movements to choose peaceful reintegration.
Local officials and religious leaders also highlighted the importance of unity among stakeholders in sustaining peace gains in the province. Through strengthened cooperation between the military, the Maimbung local government, the National Amnesty Commission, and community leaders, the ceremony was seen as a renewed symbol of hope for long-term peace and development in Sulu.