38 ‘peace advocates’ in Surigao Norte receive safe conduct pass
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — ‘Peace advocates,’ also known as former rebels in the province of Surigao del Norte, received their Safe Conduct Pass (SCP) during the ceremonial awarding of SCP to peace advocates in Caraga region held in Butuan City.
Thirty-eight peace advocates from the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion received their SCP on Oct. 30 from the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) Caraga, symbolizing the government’s continuing commitment to reintegration and restorative justice. A total of 109 SCP were issued on the same day in the entire region of Caraga.
Marivic Gallega alias ‘Nam,’ who was rescued and now among the recipients of the SCP, expressed her deepest gratitude for the opportunity accorded to her by the government.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa gobyerno ug sa 30IB niining SCP. Nakahatag kini kanako og kalinaw sa hunahuna kay makalihok na ko nga walay kahadlok. Prueba kini nga tinuod gyud nga ginasuportahan sa gobyerno ang mga misuko ug mibalik sa sabakan sa balaod,” Gallega said.
(I want to thank the government and the 30IB for the SCP. This is giving me peace of mind because I can now go out without fear. This is a proof that the government is truly supporting those who will decide to go back to the folds of the law).
During the event, the peace advocates were also provided with food pack assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and seedlings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as part of the government’s livelihood and rehabilitation support.
The activity underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation, and inclusive nation-building, paving the way for the peace advocates’ complete reintegration into peaceful and productive lives.
The SCP serves as a legal protection for peace advocates as they transition back to mainstream society, ensuring safe movement and security from any form of arrest or harassment related to past insurgency activities. This is also a document issued by the government to individuals who wish to apply for amnesty without fear of arrest.
At the same time, their applications are being processed by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) through Memorandum Order No. 36, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which allows the it to issue SCP to members of rebel groups who wish to avail of the national government amnesty program. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from 30IB of the Philippine Army)
