Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne Cagas led the issuance of Safe Conduct Passes to 66 former rebels, marking a significant milestone in their reintegration into society. The ceremony took place on April 20, 2026, at the Tablizo Gym in the Capitol Compound, bringing together local officials, security forces, and national government representatives in a unified show of support.
Ceremony Highlights
The event was led by Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas and Vice Governor Marc Cagas. The 66 recipients, now referred to as "Friends Rescued" (FRs), are former members of the New People's Army who have returned to the fold of the law. They are currently awaiting the outcome of their amnesty applications, and the Safe Conduct Passes allow them to move freely and begin rebuilding their lives without fear of arrest.
Vice Governor Cagas emphasized the whole-of-nation approach that started during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte and continues today. He also highlighted that Davao del Sur was declared insurgency-free on May 25, 2022, the first province in the Davao Region to achieve this status.
Bridge to Normal Life
Colonel Jeffrey A. Villarosa, deputy brigade commander of the 1002nd Brigade, explained that the passes are issued while amnesty applications are being processed. "Sixty-six of them are finally issued with a Safe Conduct pass. As former rebels, they have the chance for their lives to be normalized through programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Amnesty Program," he said.
Many of the FRs face pending legal cases linked to past armed activities, including the 2014 Matanao raid. Amnesty, granted solely by the president, provides a pathway to clear these cases as part of the government's normalization track. The Safe Conduct Pass ensures they can live normally without fear of arrest while waiting for the final amnesty decision.
Stories of Transition
Belly S. Berana Jr., one of the recipients, expressed deep gratitude: "We are deeply grateful… we have seen the government's dedication and willingness to provide services, especially in ensuring that we are granted amnesty… so that we can fully return and no longer feel uncertain about our lives as we rebuild and develop our livelihoods."
Their transition is supported by the E-CLIP program, which provides financial assistance, livelihood training, housing support, and access to social services. According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government, thousands of former rebels nationwide have already benefited from E-CLIP, successfully reintegrating as farmers, small business owners, and workers. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has noted increasing numbers of surrenderees as evidence of the program's effectiveness.
Whole-of-Nation Approach
The whole-of-nation approach, institutionalized under Executive Order No. 70 signed in December 2018, brings together all sectors to address the root causes of insurgency. This strategy combines security efforts with social services, infrastructure, livelihood programs, and governance reforms, recognizing that armed conflict is tied to poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services.
The issuance of Safe Conduct Passes in Davao del Sur resulted from coordinated efforts by the 39th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Hector A. Estolas, in partnership with the provincial government, the Local Amnesty Board in Koronadal, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Public Attorney's Office in Digos City.
Sustaining Peace Gains
The handover of 66 Safe Conduct Passes reflects a broader shift toward reconciliation. As communities welcome back former rebels, the challenge lies in ensuring lasting stability through livelihood opportunities, trust restoration, and full community reintegration.
