ONE HUNDRED thirty former rebels received their official safe conduct passes (SCPs) during a turnover ceremony in San Fernando, Bukidnon, at the municipal gymnasium in Barangay Halapitan, on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The activity brought together security forces, local government units, peace program officers, and former rebels to solidify government support for their transition back into society.
LTCOL Antonio G. Bulao I, commanding officer of the 89th Infantry Battalion, opened the proceedings by acknowledging the 130 beneficiaries for choosing the path of peace and abandoning armed movement.
During the event, representatives of Valencia City and San Fernando local government units distributed food packs and formally pledged continued assistance, livelihood support, and social protection services for the returning rebel families.
Abigail F. Lai, peace program officer of the Local Amnesty Board, briefed the beneficiaries on the legal parameters and importance of the safe conduct pass.
She said the document grants legal protection and allows former rebels to formally access national amnesty initiatives and state-led reintegration programs without fear of legal impediment.
BGEN Christopher M. Diaz, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, commended the former rebels for choosing peace over armed struggle.
“Your decision to embrace peace is not only a step toward changing your own lives, but also an opportunity to build a better future for your families and communities,” Diaz told the beneficiaries.
The turnover of the safe conduct pass forms part of the government’s sustained peacebuilding and insurgency-de-escalation campaign across Northern and Central Mindanao, aiming to dismantle remaining insurgent structures by providing legal pathways for surrenderers.
