MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Seventy-four former rebels received Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) during a ceremony hosted by the 1st Special Forces “Hunter-Killer” Battalion (1SFBn) on August 11, 2026, as the government continues efforts to facilitate the peaceful reintegration of former members of armed groups into mainstream society.
The ceremony was held at the headquarters of the 1SFBn in Barangay Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and was led by Lieutenant Colonel Vincent David S. Bonifacio, commanding officer of the battalion.
Colonel Warren C. Munda, Officer-in-Charge of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, represented Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, during the activity.
The issuance of the Safe Conduct Passes forms part of the government’s broader peace, reconciliation, and reintegration initiatives. The passes are intended to facilitate the safe movement of qualified former rebels while they undergo the process of applying for amnesty and transitioning back into civilian life.
Under the initiative, the SCP provides qualified beneficiaries with protection from arrest and freedom of passage while they complete the necessary processes connected with the government’s amnesty program.
The measure is particularly significant for former rebels who are seeking to formally disengage from armed conflict and return to their communities. By providing a mechanism for safe movement during the application process, authorities aim to remove one of the potential barriers that could discourage former combatants from availing themselves of the government’s reintegration and amnesty mechanisms.
In his remarks, Munda underscored the government’s commitment to reconciliation and peacebuilding, saying the issuance of the passes demonstrates that authorities are serious about fulfilling their commitment to former rebels who choose the path of peace.
“The issuance of Safe Conduct Pass to the former rebels is a testament that the government is serious in keeping their promise of healing and reconciliation,” Munda said.
The activity also highlighted the role of security forces and partner government agencies in supporting the transition of former rebels from armed conflict toward peaceful civilian life.
For the 403rd Infantry Brigade, the initiative is part of continuing efforts to sustain peace in Bukidnon while addressing the conditions that have contributed to local armed conflict. The brigade said it remains committed to working with partner agencies in advancing reconciliation and supporting programs designed to help former rebels reintegrate into their communities.
The issuance of the 74 Safe Conduct Passes comes amid the government’s continuing campaign to encourage members of local armed groups to abandon armed struggle and pursue peaceful and lawful means of addressing grievances.
Beyond providing legal and security-related assistance during the amnesty application process, the reintegration approach is intended to create opportunities for former rebels to rebuild their lives and participate in community development.
The military and its partner agencies emphasized that sustained peace requires more than military operations. It also involves reconciliation, community engagement, and programs that enable former combatants to return safely to civilian communities and participate in development initiatives.
The 403rd Infantry Brigade reaffirmed that it will continue supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in Bukidnon as part of the broader government campaign to end local armed conflict and promote inclusive development.
The ceremony therefore represented not only the formal issuance of documents to the 74 former rebels, but also another step in the government’s continuing effort to transform former combatants into active participants in peaceful community life.