The National Amnesty Commission (NAC), in partnership with the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) and the Local Government Unit of Isabela City, formally held the Ceremonial Issuance of Safe Conduct Passes (SCP) for qualified amnesty applicants at the Basilan Government Center in Sta. Clara, Lamitan City. The Provincial Government of Basilan, led by Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, hosted the event.
In his welcome remarks, Commissioner Atty. Jamar Kulanay, represented by PPO Rabia Salapuddin, explained that the Safe Conduct Pass (SCP), under NAC Memorandum Order No. 36, provides temporary protection for amnesty applicants, allowing them to travel safely and participate fully in the amnesty process. The SCP remains valid until the President decides on the application.
He emphasized that SCP holders must remain unarmed, avoid unlawful acts, and follow all instructions from the NAC, police, and military authorities. The PNP and AFP are directed to honor the SCP.
He also clarified that the SCP is not blanket immunity and may be revoked if misused. It symbolizes the government’s commitment to peace, justice, and reintegration.
Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, serving as LAB Chairperson, delivered a message emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting national peace initiatives and ensuring that applicants are provided with a safe, lawful, and humanitarian transition back into their communities.
Governor Hataman also expressed the Provincial Government’s full support for the program, highlighting Basilan’s steady progress in sustaining peace and fostering opportunities for former combatants and reform-seekers. He emphasized that true peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of order, the freedom for individuals to earn a livelihood, and the assurance of sustainable development that benefits the entire province.
The symbolic issuance of the Safe Conduct Passes was led by Mayor Hataman, Governor Hataman, Col. Philip Fagel, 1101st Infantry Brigade Commander BGEN Frederick Sales, Basilan PPO Provincial Director PCOL Cerrazid Umabong, and Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission – Basilan Provincial Director Atty. Alman-Najar Namla, LAB Member representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). A total of 54 Safe Conduct Passes were formally issued—2 applicants from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 52 from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)—a development seen as a major stride in the government’s ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in the region.
COL Fagel, representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, commended the unwavering commitment shown toward peace and reconciliation. He reaffirmed the military’s dedication to supporting peacebuilding efforts and ensuring the safe facilitation of all qualified applicants, while encouraging others to apply. Meanwhile, PCOL Umabong likewise emphasized the role of law enforcement in safeguarding the integrity and security of the amnesty process, and also encouraged individuals to apply.
A heartfelt message was shared by Ust. Faiz Alaudin, an SCP holder and amnesty applicant, who offered a personal testimony of hope, second chances, and the significance of the government’s peace and amnesty program. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Atty. Namla, who recognized the collective effort of the NAC, LAB, AFP, PNP, and local governments in making the program successful.
The issuance of Safe Conduct Passes in Basilan marks another major milestone in the national government’s comprehensive peace agenda—ensuring safety, justice, and reintegration opportunities for individuals seeking amnesty under the ongoing peace and normalization initiatives. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
