Butuan City, September 11-12, 2025 – The 2025 From Insider to Evidence: Leveraging Former Rebels’ Testimony in the Investigation and Prosecution of Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Cases seminar concluded successfully in Butuan City. The two-day event, held at Almont Hotel and Inland Resort, was jointly organized by the Department of Justice – Regional Prosecution Office XIII (RPO XIII) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 13 (NICA 13), with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
The seminar brought together CRAMLATF members from DOJ NPS Region XIII, law enforcement officers from Regions X and XIII, and experts to explore how the testimonies of former rebels can strengthen investigations into terrorism and terrorism financing. With their insider knowledge of terrorist organizations, these former rebels provide vital information that aids in dismantling terrorist networks. The event focused on leveraging these testimonies to enhance counter-terrorism efforts, featuring training sessions designed to equip participants with the skills needed to build stronger criminal cases.
The event opened with a welcome message from Hon. John S. Magdaraog, Regional Prosecutor of RPO XIII, followed by opening remarks from Hon. Merlynn Barola-Uy, Regional Prosecutor of RPO X. Both emphasized the critical importance of investigating and prosecuting airtight cases of terrorism and terrorism financing, with a primary focus on securing convictions, as well as the need for partnership and collaboration to address challenges that require a collective response. Mr. Alexander Birle, Resident Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, underscored that collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors enhances the efficiency of the justice system, thereby strengthening public trust. He also highlighted how the voices of those who have renounced violence can become powerful instruments of justice.
Hon. Bonifacio R. Pulgo, OIC Regional Director of NICA 13, also addressed the seminar, providing an in-depth analysis of the terrorism landscape in Caraga. He emphasized the importance of understanding active threat groups, their sources of funding, and how insider information from former rebels can help build stronger cases for prosecution.
One of the seminar’s key sessions, led by PA Emily P. Sala, focused on structuring former rebels’ testimonies to maximize their effectiveness in court. Assoc. PP Genesis E. Efren led a session on affidavit drafting, teaching participants how to link testimonies to specific crime elements, thereby strengthening the foundation of the case.
On the second day, the seminar focused on information drafting and anticipating common defense strategies in terrorism cases. ACP Francis John R. Salva of OCP Cagayan de Oro City, led sessions on crafting effective information and prosecutorial responses, guiding participants in enhancing their skills to address defense challenges related to the credibility and admissibility of former rebel testimonies.
The seminar concluded with a synthesis by Hon. Aisa Bruneiry M. Alonto, Assistant Regional Prosecutor of RPO X, who summarized the key lessons learned over the two days. Participants were asked to reflect on critical questions about the seminar’s discussions, insights gained, and challenges in investigating and prosecuting terrorism financing cases. This reflection underscored the importance of continued learning and inter-agency collaboration to strengthen future counter-terrorism efforts.
Participants left the seminar with renewed commitment and practical tools to improve their roles in the investigation and prosecution of terrorism-related cases. The event marked an important step forward in strengthening legal frameworks and increasing coordination between law enforcement, prosecution, and intelligence agencies in the fight against terrorism.
