Eastern visayas: Government officials in Eastern Visayas have reiterated their call for former members of the New People's Army (NPA) to apply for amnesty, with only two weeks remaining before the March 13 deadline. During a press briefing on Thursday, Col. Rico Amaro, commander of the Philippine Army's Joint Task Group Tacloban, said authorities are intensifying efforts to raise awareness about the amnesty program.
According to Philippines News Agency, under Proclamation 404 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Nov. 22, 2023, the deadline for amnesty applications for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is set on March 13. As of January 2026, there are still 117 active NPA members in the region, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRRU).
Amaro, who also serves as vice chairperson of the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) Tacloban, said authorities have identified the remaining NPA members and their families. 'We are trying to engage their family members, but many of them have no communication with the NPA remnants, especially since some have been deployed outside their home provinces,' he added.
Nolly Mapili, director of the OPAPRRU's CPP-NPA-NDF Peace Process Office, said the amnesty process forms part of the government's localized peace engagement strategy to address the needs of former rebels. 'We have been coordinating with the media so that our rebels can better understand the amnesty program. Misinformation is one reason some NPA remnants hesitate to surrender,' Mapili said.
Bhea Janine Gozo, peace program officer and secretary of LAB-Tacloban, reported that 610 amnesty applications from former NPA members have been received since 2024. Of the total, 576 applicants are from Leyte province, 13 from Eastern Samar, five each from Northern Samar and Samar provinces, 10 from Biliran, and one from Calabarzon.
While waiting for the approval of their applications, former rebels are issued safe conduct passes (SCPs), Gozo said. 'The SCP is not an amnesty. It grants temporary protection from arrest, detention, or prosecution for offenses covered under the program,' she explained. According to officials, the SCP allows applicants safe passage and the freedom to complete their amnesty requirements while preparing for reintegration into society.
Meanwhile, an unidentified member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with soldiers in the mountains of Hinabangan, Samar late Wednesday. The Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade reported on Thursday that the 20-minute firefight took place in the upland village of Cabalagnan in Hinabangan town. 'Acting on the tip, government forces immediately launched a strike operation to validate the report and secure the area,' the Philippine Army stated. An unidentified NPA member was killed during the encounter. Soldiers recovered an M16 rifle and several rounds of ammunition from the site, military officials said.
