San Fernando City partners with NAC to help former rebels’ reintegration

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The National Amnesty Commission (NAC), through its Local Amnesty Board (LAB) here, met with city officials to discuss critical steps in granting amnesty and restoring full civil and political rights to former rebels.

Amnesty is a government initiative that grants legal pardon to former rebels or insurgents, allowing them to reintegrate into society without fear of prosecution. 

This initiative aims to align the amnesty process with the broader goals of healing, reconciliation, and reintegration outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

Created under Executive Order (EO) No. 125, series of 2021, and amended by EO No. 47, series of 2023, the NAC is responsible for processing amnesty applications. 

Its role is to evaluate and approve applications, ensuring that qualified former rebels receive legal amnesty, which restores their civil and political rights. 

Local Amnesty Board

On the local level, the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) serves as the implementing arm of the NAC in the provinces. 

It facilitates application processing, provides necessary legal assistance, and ensures the program’s accessibility at the local level.

During the meeting, the importance of a seamless amnesty application process and the legal support necessary for former rebels to fully reintegrate into society were emphasized.

Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto of San Fernando City underscored the city’s role in facilitating the program, emphasizing the importance of compassion and inclusivity in the process.

“Here in the City of San Fernando, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. We believe that justice must not only be fair—it must be compassionate, inclusive, and restorative,” Gualberto stated.

Gualberto also highlighted the significance of his role as chairperson of the Local Amnesty Board of Region 1.

“Being chosen as the chairperson of the Local Amnesty Board of Region 1 is an opportunity for us to recommit to our vision of becoming a People’s City. Rest assured, our doors will be open not just for our local residents but to all who seek a fresh start,” Gualberto said.

Kitchie Carla Palacio, secretariat of the LAB in La Union, said that their office is committed to processing all applications for amnesty.

“The goal is to ensure that former rebels regain their full political and civil rights, allowing them to live freely and contribute to the development of their communities,” Palacio said.

The initiative in this city is closely tied to the goals of the PDP, specifically Chapter 13, which focuses on peace, reconciliation, and the empowerment of all citizens.

Granting freedom, rebuilding lives

The amnesty program is not only about granting freedom but also about enabling former rebels to rebuild their lives and play a role in nation-building.

As part of its mandate, the NAC is tasked with preparing a handover report that outlines recommendations for maintaining the progress of the amnesty process and ensuring its sustainability.

Legal assistance services are being developed as part of the program to support applicants through the amnesty process, ensuring they have the necessary resources to navigate the system effectively.

These services are seen as crucial in guaranteeing that the rights of former rebels are fully restored and protected.

Both the NAC and the San Fernando City government are committed to this developmental process, which will not only grant amnesty but also provide a path to true reintegration, freedom, and full participation in society for former rebels.

Through these collaborative efforts, the government aims to promote long-term peace and healing across the nation. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)

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