THE 801st Brigade of the Philippine Army, under the leadership of Brigadier General Lenart R. Lelina PA, continues its mission of peacebuilding and reconciliation in Samar with the successful organization of the Amnesty Orientation and Acceptance of Applications to the Catbalogan Local Amnesty Board, represented by Ms. Jasmin Odyssa B. Lutao, Peace Program Officer III of NAC. This event was part of the National Amnesty Program for Former Rebels, which aims to foster peaceful reintegration and support for former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
The orientation, held under the guidance of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), led by Atty. Ma. Victoria V. Cardona, served as a platform to provide clear information on the amnesty application process as outlined in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 44, issued in November 2023.The proclamation offers amnesty to individuals who were previously part of the CPP-NPA-NDF and who committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.
The event aimed to educate and reassure attendees about the benefits, requirements, and procedures for applying for amnesty, encouraging a peaceful path to reconciliation. The orientation also emphasized the importance of dialogue and community rebuilding, offering a hopeful opportunity for former rebels to reintegrate into society.
A total of seventy-three (73) FR applicants availing themselves of the amnesty program of the government were processed by the 801st Brigade and its OPCON units:
- December 10, 2023: 23 applicants from the 87th Infantry Battalion
- January 15, 2025: 21 applicants from the 46th Infantry Battalion
- January 16, 2025: 6 applicants from the 3rd Infantry Battalion
- January 22, 2025: 23 applicants from the 52nd Infantry Battalion.
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including peace builders, their families, and representatives from civil society organizations. The event provided a space for open dialogue, allowing participants to raise concerns and receive clarifications on the amnesty program.
Meanwhile, Bartolome Alegria Admanan, a former CO of Regional Guerilla Unit of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, expressed his deep gratitude to the government personnel and the soldiers of the Philippine Army for their support in helping them turn their lives around. He is truly delighted and has witnessed the genuine transformation within the government’s efforts to aid them. He calls on active members of the NPA and their families to return to the government and embrace the opportunity for a better future.
Brigadier General Lelina expressed his support, stating, “We understand that the journey toward reintegration can be challenging, but the support from our institutions, including the National Amnesty Commission and various government agencies, is here to guide and assist you. Seize this opportunity to turn a new page, to be a beacon of hope and positive change in your communities.”
The 801st Brigade’s efforts to facilitate this orientation reaffirm its commitment to fostering a culture of peace and understanding across Samar Island. Under BGEN Lelina’s leadership, the brigade continues to champion unity and work toward a brighter, more prosperous future for all people in the region.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the 8ID Facebook Page.
