Amnesty Proclamations for Rebels Receive Broad Support in the Philippines

Manila – The Marcos administration’s defense and security cluster, along with other entities, have expressed strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s amnesty proclamations, aimed at fostering lasting peace through comprehensive initiatives.

According to Philippines News Agency, as released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Sunday, these amnesty proclamations are seen as crucial steps towards national healing and peacebuilding. They are expected to create a conducive environment for peace and reconciliation, enabling former rebels to reintegrate into society and access socio-economic services provided by the government.

The NSC statement emphasized the proclamations’ role in contributing to national stability and unity by allowing former rebels to rejoin the legal framework. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. highlighted the significance of the amnesty for active and former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). Galvez stressed that the program facilitates their transition into peaceful civilian life, restoring social and political rights, and enabling broader community engagement.

Leah Tanodra-Armamento, chairperson of the National Amnesty Commission, welcomed the issuance of Executive Order No. 47, amending EO 125, and the proclamations granting amnesty to communist rebels and Muslim separatists. She committed to expediting the processing of applications, especially for those in detention and the elderly, to enable their freedom and participation in community reforms.

The proclamations, issued on November 22, are part of the administration’s comprehensive peace initiatives. They offer amnesty to members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB, former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front or front organizations, and members of the MILF and MNLF, for crimes committed in pursuit of their political beliefs.

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim regarded the amnesty as an opportunity for former MILF combatants to start anew, emphasizing its role in healing and reconciliation. This move aligns with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which includes the government’s commitment to employ amnesty, pardon, and other resolutions for cases related to the armed conflict in Mindanao.

Further endorsements came from Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who recognized the amnesty’s role in sustaining internal security and stability. The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for Western Visayas (JRTF6-ELCAC) also supported the proclamation, envisioning an end to civil strife and the fostering of national unity.

The Bangsamoro government echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the amnesty as a milestone in achieving peace in the Bangsamoro region. The Philippine National Police expressed its full support, seeing these initiatives as integral to national reconciliation, unity, and reintegration of individuals involved in insurgent or rebel groups back into the legal system.