The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has taken a concrete step to cement lasting peace by helping a group of former rebels formally seek amnesty. This move is designed to support their full return to civilian life and prevent a return to armed conflict.
A Path to Peace and Reintegration
On December 2, 2025, the province facilitated the signing of amnesty applications for 25 peace advocates, all former rebels. The activity was managed through the provincial Elcac Office under the frameworks of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) mechanism.
This process is a crucial legal step for individuals leaving behind armed struggle. Once the Local Amnesty Board processes and approves their applications, the 25 individuals are set to receive safe conduct passes. These documents will formalize their shift towards lawful and peaceful participation in society.
Building on an Insurgency-Free Foundation
This reintegration push is vital for maintaining the peace gains Davao Oriental has secured. The province's journey to peace reached a major milestone in September 2022, when the provincial council officially declared Davao Oriental insurgency-free.
This declaration followed the dismantling of all remaining New People's Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts in the area. Security forces reported that major NPA units, including Guerrilla Front North, South, and 18, had become dysfunctional and incapable of mounting operations, an achievement that drew national attention.
Sustaining Peace Through Development and Opportunity
Provincial officials stress that the amnesty initiative is about more than paperwork. It aims to empower communities by strengthening resilience, promoting dialogue, and sustaining development efforts. The national Amnesty Program, implemented under Proclamation No. 1093, offers former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF a chance to clear offenses linked to political beliefs and start anew.
Since being declared insurgency-free, Davao Oriental has worked to preserve peace through various means:
- Livelihood assistance for former combatants and affected communities.
- Infrastructure development in once-conflict areas.
- Youth engagement programs.
- Community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
Officials emphasize that lasting peace depends not only on dismantling armed groups but also on ensuring clear opportunities for livelihood, dignity, and participation in governance for former fighters and their communities. The current amnesty applications represent a direct investment in that sustainable future.
