NAC chief to rebels: Apply for amnesty

MANILA, Philippines — Saying that the government amnesty program is a “benevolent act,” National Amnesty Commission (NAC) chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento urged all qualified former rebels to avail themselves of the program.

“I would like to call on all members of the groups that have been proclaimed by the President who are qualified to apply for amnesty, to avail of this benevolent act of the President because it may not come again. So, please take advantage of this,” Armamento said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday.

Armamento said that through the support of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the NAC was able to set up the commission and establish nine Local Amnesty Boards (LABs) that shall receive and process applications for amnesty.

She said the NAC will establish more LABs in areas so that they become more accessible to former Communist Party of Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) members.

On Nov. 22, 2023, President Marcos issued Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406 granting amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), CPP-NPA-NDF, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively.

Following the issuance of these proclamations, the House of Representatives on Dec. 15, 2023 approved four House concurrent resolutions that granted amnesty to the members of the aforementioned revolutionary groups.

On March 4, 2024, the Senate unanimously concurred with Presidential Proclamation Nos. 403, 405 and 406. And on March 13, 2024, the Senate unanimously concurred with Proclamation No. 404.

The application period for amnesty of the members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB, MILF and MNLF will be from now up to March 4, 2026, while the application period for the former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF will be from now up to March 13, 2026.

As provided in Article VII, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, the President shall have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all members of Congress.