909 ex-rebels seek amnesty

OVER 900 former rebels, most of them members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, are seeking amnesty.

Data from the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) showed that as of September 6, a total of 909 individuals have applied for amnesty.

Of the total, 783 (about 86 percent) are former members of the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front of the Philippines, 47 from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and two from the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).

NAC said 77 (8.47 percent) of the applicants are from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), including the 21 new applications that were received last August 30.

NAC did not name the MILF applicants but said among them are “MILF’s top ground commanders, who are now Members of Parliament (MPs).”

The Commission said it continues to strengthen its information and education campaign by highlighting the benefits of amnesty in the government’s pursuit of peace and national reconciliation.

NAC also said the deadline for submission of applications is March 2026.

President Marcos Jr., in a proclamation order on Nov. 23, 2023, gave the former rebels two years to apply for amnesty. The amnesty proclamation became effective following the concurrence of the House of Representative in December 2023 and the Senate in March 2004.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said around 5,000 to 8,000 rebels from CPP-NPA-NDFP would avail themselves of the amnesty program, along with some 5,000 former MNLF combatants, 40,000 decommissioned MILF combatants, and 900 RPMP-RPA-ABB.

Under the proclamation order, amnesty may be granted to those who, prior to the issuance of the order in November 2023, committed crimes or omissions in pursuit of political belief, including those detained, charged, or convicted for such acts or omissions.

Amnesty may also be granted to those who committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs, including but not limited to rebellion or insurrection; conspiracy and