“Huge relief” Former rebels in Region 13 hail issuance of safe conduct passes
- Juanda Alfonso
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 12
BUTUAN CITY—Zulah, a former rebel from Surigao del Sur in Region 13, considers the safe conduct pass (SCP) she now holds in her hands as “a passport back to normal life.” In an interview with Kontra Kwento, she described the piece of paper as a "huge relief" for former New People's Army (NPA) combatants like her who are now seeking a new life.
Zulah was one of 25 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Caraga Region (13) who were formally granted SCPs during a ceremonial event at the 402nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Bancasi, Butuan City on July 1. She is also currently an officer of the Sur Peace United Farmers Association, the former rebels' organization in Surigao del Sur.
The National Amnesty Commission (NAC), led by Chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento, spearheaded the initiative, which was lauded by the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (4DPAO) as a crucial step in supporting the national government’s reintegration program for former insurgents.
The ceremony, held at Kalayaan Hall, was attended by several high-ranking officials, including 402nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Adolfo Espuelas Jr., Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, and Police Regional Office-13 director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano.
For many former rebels like Zula, the issuance of SCPs has brought not only legal protection but also a renewed sense of hope.
Rebuilding lives
A native of the province, Zee was a fourth-year BS Biology student of Caraga State University when she was recruited into the national democratic movement. She said that she eventually joined the NPA in September 2014. After a decade in the guerrilla army, she finally decided to surrender in March 2024.
“With the issuance of the SCP, I feel hopeful that I will no longer live in fear of being arrested or charged. The SCP allows me to walk freely and focus on rebuilding our lives in partnership with the government,” she said.
Aljun Inato, Vice President for Mindanao of Buklod Kapayapaan, a national federation of former communist rebels, also expressed deep gratitude toward the NAC, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and provincial and local government units for their collective effort in making the long-awaited issuance of SCPs a reality.
“Since the issuance of Proclamation No. 404, this is the first time in Region 13 that former rebels are being officially given safe conduct passes. It’s a major breakthrough for our brothers and sisters who are seeking a fresh start,” Inato emphasized.
He added that many federations already have action plans for reintegration, but implementation has been delayed due to unresolved legal issues. With the SCPs in place, those plans can now move forward.
“While we’re hopeful that more former rebels will receive SCPs in the next months, we also urge our President to immediately grant amnesty to all the deserving former rebels who have applied since last year,” he noted.
Inato also addressed criticisms from the CPP-NPA-NDFP, that the amnesty program is merely a government ploy.
“This initiative proves otherwise. It shows that President Marcos' administration is sincere in helping us. This isn’t propaganda—it’s real action and real support,” he said.
NAC officials said additional batches are being processed in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Davao del Norte. As the government expands its reintegration programs, officials and beneficiaries alike hope that the SCP initiative will inspire more former rebels to return to the fold of the law and begin anew.
For Zula, the SCP also means she can now complete her studies. "I want to study Psychology, but I'm also considering Nursing. We'll see. I'm still waiting for my husband to receive his SCP as well, so we can reunite with our two kids and finally start our new life as a family."
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