Out of hiding: Caraga’s first amnesty grantee finds new life in peace
By Nora L. Molde
For years, the lives of Maximo Vivas Sr. and Jennifer Gabo were defined by hardship, uncertainty, and conflict deep within the armed struggle.
Today, their story stands as a compelling narrative of transformation, one that reflects not only personal redemption but also the government’s relentless push for lasting peace under the national amnesty program.
On January 1, 2023, Vivas and Gabo made a decisive turn away from violence, voluntarily surrendering to the 29th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte. The couple cited exhaustion from continuous military operations, dwindling logistical support, and a deep longing to reunite with their families as the driving forces behind their surrender.
In a significant act of cooperation, Vivas disclosed the location of their hidden arms cache, leading to the recovery of eight high-powered firearms. This gesture not only demonstrated sincerity but also marked the beginning of his reintegration into mainstream society.
Recognizing their decision to abandon armed struggle, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte extended immediate assistance. On January 25, 2023, the couple, accompanied by officials of the 29th Infantry Battalion, met with Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante and received P100,000 in financial aid.
“The provincial government stands firm in its commitment to support former rebels who choose the path of peace. Their courage to return to the folds of the law is a powerful step toward rebuilding not only their lives but also stronger and more peaceful communities,” Gov. Amante said. “This initial support enabled them to begin rebuilding their lives while awaiting additional benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or ECLIP, a flagship initiative aligned with the government’s whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.”
Complementing these efforts, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has played a central role in facilitating the country’s national amnesty program. Through its coordination with local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other partner agencies, OPAPRU ensures the efficient processing of amnesty applications, issuance of Safe Conduct Passes, and delivery of reintegration support services. The agency also leads information campaigns and confidence-building measures aimed at encouraging former rebels to return to the folds of the law, reinforcing the government’s commitment to reconciliation, restorative justice, and inclusive peace.
Their journey toward stability further progressed when, on June 19, 2024, they were awarded a newly constructed housing unit in Barangay Victory, Tubay, Agusan del Norte. The house symbolized more than a shelter – it represented dignity, security, and a renewed sense of belonging within the community.
Vivas’ transformation reached a critical milestone when he was granted a Safe Conduct Pass and eventually amnesty under the national government’s program, institutionalized through the directives of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This initiative aims to foster reconciliation by providing former rebels the opportunity to reintegrate into society without fear of prosecution, provided they renounce violence and commit to peaceful living.
For Gabo, the return to civilian life carried a deeply personal meaning. After four years of separation, she was finally reunited with her son. With assistance from the military, she celebrated her child’s birthday in Surigao del Norte, an emotional milestone that underscored the human dimension of reintegration efforts.
Gabo is also a holder of a Safe Conduct Pass, which protects her under the law and allows her to fully access government services as she continues her transition back into civilian life alongside her partner.
As part of their reintegration, Vivas and Gabo now sustain their daily needs through small-scale livelihood efforts. The couple operates a sari-sari store and raises livestock, providing them with a steady source of income and helping them build a more stable and self-reliant life.
Expressing deep gratitude, Vivas emphasized the program’s life-changing impact, particularly the resolution of his past cases filed during his stint with the NPA.
“Thank you to the government. The amnesty program is real and true. My previous cases have now been cleared, and it has given me a new chance to live peacefully with my family,” he said.
Beyond rebuilding his own life, Vivas now actively supports the government’s peace efforts by encouraging former comrades to return to the folds of the law and avail of the amnesty program.
He has become a living testament to the sincerity of the government’s initiatives, using his experience to persuade others that a peaceful and stable life is attainable outside armed struggle.
“The government is sincere in helping us start over,” he added. “My former comrades have seen how my life has changed. They now realize that the promises of the NPA are not true.”
His testimony has begun to influence others still in the armed movement. According to Vivas, some of his former colleagues have already expressed their intention to surrender, inspired by his experience and the tangible support he has received from the government.
The story of Vivas and Gabo illustrates the broader national impact of the amnesty program, demonstrating how localized interventions, when aligned with national directives, can yield meaningful and lasting change.
Their journey from armed conflict to peaceful reintegration underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development, reconciliation, and the restoration of lives once disrupted by insurgency.
As the administration continues to advance its peace-building initiatives, stories like theirs serve as powerful narratives of hope, proving that even in the most difficult circumstances, a path toward peace and renewal is always possible. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
