DoJ: Heinous crimes excluded from amnesty

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) reiterated on Wednesday that the recent proclamations issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granting amnesty to various rebel and insurgent groups do not cover heinous crimes.

In a statement, the DoJ said that former insurgents who have committed heinous crimes such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism and other gross violations of human rights will still face prosecution.

It noted that Marcos' Amnesty Proclamations 403, 404, 405, and 406 extend to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively.

These proclamations grant amnesty to these groups for crimes committed in furtherance of their political beliefs, thereby encouraging them to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to the nation's progress.

Furthermore, the DoJ said these proclamations, which amend EO 125 and update the function of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), are «a significant step toward lasting peace.»

It reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the rule of law and the administration's peace initiatives and to work closely with the NAC in processing applications for amnesty under the new proclamations.

«We will work tirelessly to ensure that the amnesty process is fair, transparent and respectful of the rights of all parties involved,» the DoJ said

«We believe that this historic move by President Marcos will usher in a new era of peace and reconciliation in the Philippines, and the DoJ is committed to supporting this initiative,» it added.