Eight former rebels from Iloilo pledged allegiance to the government by taking their oath and executing judicial affidavits before the Local Amnesty Board at Camp Martin Delgado on June 18.
According to Lt. Col. Arturo S. Balgos Jr., commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion, the former rebels – identified only by their aliases Yanyan and Victor from Tubungan; Reden, Benjo, Nitchel, and Alex from Miagao; Ivy from Maasin; and Steph from Oton – completed their affidavits before Prosecutor Flosemer Cris Gonzales as part of the amnesty program’s requirements.
“They executed their judicial affidavit before Prosecutor Flosemer Cris Gonzales as requirements for the amnesty program. It is part of their reintegration process,” Balgos said.
The amnesty board will evaluate their application. If they have cases, the board will determine if they are qualified for the amnesty.
“It’s now up to the board. We only facilitated because we wanted all former rebels who surrendered to us to be included in the amnesty program,” he added.
On the same day, eight former rebels, including two who took their oath of allegiance, received P20,000 each through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, during a ceremony in Camp Monteclaro in Miagao.
Of the total number of beneficiaries, four were from Miagao and two each from Tubungan and Oton.
Their chosen projects include cattle and native chicken raising.
“We are proud to witness the transformation of these former rebels as they take concrete steps toward a peaceful and productive life. This initiative proves that with unity, commitment, and sustainable support, the reintegration of our former rebels is possible, and peace is achievable,” Balgos said.PNA
