Featured image above via NAC on Facebook.
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MANILA — The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) successfully concluded the oath taking of its Local Amnesty Board (LAB) Members on 28 May 2024 at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace, with Retired Chief Justice and Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin as the solemnizing officer.
The event was attended by the NAC’s Executive Committee, led by Chairperson Leah C. Tanodra-Armamento and joined by Commissioners Jamar M. Kulayan and Nasser A. Marohomsalic. Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. also graced the activity, accompanied by Presidential Assistant Wilben Mayor. Further, alternates of ex-officio members of the Commission en banc namely, Undersecretary Angelito De Leon of the Department of National Defense, and Assistant Secretary of the Department of Justice Anika Majken Gran-Ong were also in attendance.
The induction of the LAB Members aims to solidify their commitment to being instruments of peace. Present in the activity were members of the NAC’s nine (9) established Local Amnesty Boards in different locations in the country, namely National Capital Region, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, Pagadian City, Isabela City, Basilan, and in Jolo, Sulu.
In his message of support, Executive Secretary Bersamin underscored the importance of the amnesty process in attaining just and lasting peace in the country. “The NAC is a social catalyst for peace and stability, a harbinger of good news, akin to a muezzin who calls the people to good work, and, for our purpose, invites or calls the insurgents, active or erstwhile, to avail and partake of amnesty, the gift of peace and well-being by the government.” He also shared, “In the vanguard for this mission are the Local Amnesty Boards. You’ll not be a bitter-ender as you go about discharging your duty. For you are geared up with broad powers to carry out and realize your agency,” further emphasizing the crucial role the LABs will undertake in the government’s peace-making initiative.
Galvez cites vital role of NAC Board
The LABs, composed of esteemed individuals from different sectors (i.e., Local Chief Executives, representatives from the Department of Justice, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and religious sector), are tasked to be the frontliners of the amnesty application process. They are essential in ensuring the accessibility of the amnesty program especially at the grassroots level. Their membership at the LABs allows for a more localized approach to concerns and
to effectively foster community-led initiatives.
In his message of support, Secretary Galvez, Jr. emphasized that, “Through our Local Amnesty Boards, we can ensure that the amnesty program of the President is cloaked with integrity and impartiality. This ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new era –a chapter of Bagong Pilipinas. I would like to congratulate the people before us who have taken the responsibility and honor as caretakers of peace and we look forward to working closely with you as we continue in this journey. With this number of people working well for the amnesty program, we see a multi-layered approach in ensuring that amnesty is given not just for the benefit of one but ultimately in the name of healing for all Filipinos.”
Ultimately, this event marks a significant milestone in the NAC’s continuous efforts in promoting a just and lasting peace across the nation. As the NAC takes another step forward, the call for a more engaged and participative community remains — all in the name of peace. (/)
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Source: National Amnesty Commission via Facebook