Teodoro pushes amnesty for rebel returnees

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is asking the Senate to ratify   Presidential Proclamation 1377, which grants amnesty to communist rebels who want to surrender.

Teodoro issued the appeal in the wake of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) apparent reluctance to resume peace negotiations with the government.

“With the prospect of peace talks becoming dim, we are asking our Senators to ratify the amnesty proposal approved by President Arroyo,” Teodoro said.

The CPP-NDF-NPA has set several preconditions for the government to comply with if they are to return to the negotiating table including the release of 14 of its “consultants” who are facing various charges in court.

The government has, however, turned down this demand because it would violate the country’s judicial system.

Under Presidential Proclamation 1377 issued by President Arroyo in September 2007, amnesty is granted to members of the CPP-NDF-NPA and other communist rebel groups in the country who wish to return to the fold of law.

Teodoro said the government should be able to accommodate and look after the welfare of the communist rebels who are now surrendering en masse.

This, he said, would be a major boost to defeating the communist insurgency problem.

“This (amnesty) would not only be an alternative but would convince those who are still in the mountains to lay down their arms. Malaking tulong ito (This is a big help) for us to achieve our goal in 2010,” Teodoro said, referring to the deadline given by President Arroyo to the AFP to wipe out the insurgency problem.