9 ex-rebels seek amnesty

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — Nine former New People’s Army guerrillas have applied for amnesty through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Negros Occidental.

The applicants were assisted by the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion in filing their documents with the LAB-Bacolod.

In July, the 79IB also helped 52 former rebels who availed themselves of the amnesty program being offered by the government.

Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB chief, commended the former rebels for choosing the path to peace.

Calaoagan cited the importance of amnesty program initiatives in attaining lasting peace and reconciliation.

He said the number of former rebels who signified intention to apply for amnesty continued to increase.

The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) said  175 former rebels in Negros have applied for amnesty since July.

The NAC said the government amnesty program covers crimes committed in pursuit of political beliefs.