In a bid to strengthen peace and unity, the City Government of Davao, through Peace 911, successfully facilitated a four-day amnesty application workshop for 60 former rebels from February 23 to 26, 2026.
This workshop was conducted to assist the FRs with their application for amnesty under Proclamation No. 404, Series of 2023. The proclamation covers former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) who committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.
FRs, Acting Head of Peace 911, Atty. Jonah Margarette Presto, Head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Julie Dayaday, Brigadier General Christopher Diaz, Commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, were present during the activity together with other military, police, and local officials
Presto assured the former rebels of the city’s continued support, emphasizing that the government remains ready to extend assistance whenever needed.
“Wala man mi’y daghan hangyo, wala mi pangayoon gikan sa inyoha. Pero, sa gina ingon ni Mayor Baste, pag respeto sa inyong kauban, sa disiplina og pag tuman sa balaod nga mahimo pod mo nga gamitonon sa inyohang kanya kanya nga komunidad. Wala miy laing pangayoun sa inyoha, kana lang. Kami sa gobyerno, padayon gihapun nga mugakos kung mudoul mo sa amoa. Walay problema (We don’t have many requests, we don’t ask much from you. But, as Mayor Baste said, respect your companions, maintain discipline, and follow the law, which you can also apply in your respective communities. We don’t ask anything else from you. We, in the government, will continue to embrace you if you approach us),” she said.
On Thursday, a total of 60 amnesty applications were endorsed to the National Amnesty Commission’s Local Amnesty Board–Davao Secretariat following the four-day Amnesty Application Workshop attended by a mix of former rebels from the jurisdiction of various military units, 21 from the 1003rd Infantry Battalion, 11 from the 60th IB, 9 from the 27th IB, 6 from the Davao City Police Office, 7 from the 25th IB, and one each from the 72nd and 73rd IB and the Philippine Air Force.
Brigadier General Christopher Diaz, Commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, added that these efforts towards peace and reconciliation are crucial not only for the Davao Region but the whole country as well.
“I believe na ang progreso ng ating bansa ay nakasalalay sa pagkakaisa natin lahat. Kung magiging divided tayo hanggang sa sumusunod na taon, hindi po natin makakamit ang minimithi nating development not only here in Davao Region, but also sa buong pilipinas kaya po kami, ay kaisa ninyo (I believe that the progress of our country depends on our unity. If we remain divided, we will not achieve the development we aspire for not only here in the Davao Region but also in the entire Philippines. So, we stand united with you),” he added.
The City Government of Davao reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding, highlighting that the activity not only supports former rebels in reintegrating into their communities but also seeks to eradicate stigma and negative stereotypes against them. CIO
Written by: K. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar
