CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City (July 3, 2025) — In a landmark move toward sustained peace and reconciliation, 21 former rebels (FRs) operating under various battalions in the Caraga regions formally received their Safe Conduct Pass during a solemn ceremony held on July 1 at Kalayaan Hall, Headquarters of the 402nd Infantry Brigade in Bancasi, Butuan City.
The activity, led by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) chaired by Atty. Leah C. Tanodra-Armamento, highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to reintegration efforts aimed at former insurgents who have chosen to lay down arms and return to the fold of the law.
Also present to witness the ceremony were high-ranking military and government officials, including Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade; Brigadier General Adolfo B. Espuelas Jr., Commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade; Agusan del Norte Governor Hon. Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante; and Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office-13. Members of the Local Amnesty Board (LAB), instrumental in processing the official amnesty applications, administered the oath-taking of the FRs.
In his welcome message, BGen. Espuelas emphasized the ceremony as a pivotal step in regional peace-building. “This moment reflects our shared vision of healing and rebuilding. Through initiatives like the Safe Conduct Pass, we provide former rebels the chance to reintegrate, rebuild, and become productive members of society,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, BGen. Sadural, representing all units under the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, expressed full support for the government’s reconciliation measures. “This milestone highlights our collective commitment to peace and reconciliation. These Safe Conduct Passes symbolize a second chance—an opportunity to contribute to a safer and more progressive community,” he noted.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, called on all sectors of society to continue supporting the reintegration process. He stressed that sustained collaboration is vital in transforming former conflict zones into stable and thriving communities.
The Safe Conduct Pass serves as a legal guarantee of security for former rebels as they begin their transition back into mainstream society. It is part of a broader amnesty and reintegration framework designed to encourage former members of insurgent groups to abandon armed struggle and support peaceful nation-building.
The ceremony stands as a hopeful testament to the positive results of multi-sectoral cooperation in addressing decades-old insurgency issues in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region.