Cagayan de Oro City — Twenty-four former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels took a major step toward rebuilding their lives after receiving their Safe Conduct Passes in a joint awarding ceremony held at the headquarters of the 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion in Sitio Migbanday, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

The activity was spearheaded by the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Cagayan de Oro City and brought together military officers, local government officials, and partner agencies in a show of support for peace and reconciliation.

Of the 24 recipients, 20 surrendered through the 58th Infantry Battalion, while four turned themselves in through the 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion. Both units operate under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division of the Philippine Army.

Beyond the formal issuance of passes, government agencies emphasized helping the former rebels start anew. The Department of Agriculture Region 10 committed livelihood assistance through the Friends Rescued Livelihood Cooperative, while local government units from Claveria and Balingasag assured their support and acceptance of the returnees into their communities.

The ceremony was led by Brigadier General Consolito Yecla, Assistant Division Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, alongside Colonel Ricky L. Canatoy, Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (G7).

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr. thanked partner agencies for their continued cooperation, noting that their collective efforts play a crucial role in sustaining peace in Northern Mindanao.

He also encouraged the former rebels to become advocates of peace themselves by urging their former comrades to surrender and take advantage of the government’s Amnesty Program. According to Anayron, the issuance of Safe Conduct Passes reflects the government’s sincerity and firm commitment to peace and reconciliation, with the backing of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

For the former rebels, the passes symbolize more than paperwork — they mark a chance to return to their families, rebuild their livelihoods, and move forward as productive members of society.