PBBM’s amnesty, peace efforts receive overwhelming support from various stakeholders – Presidential Communications Office

Various government agencies, officials and former rebels have thrown their support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent executive order and proclamations granting amnesty to various rebels and insurgent groups in the country, citing their importance to peace and national reconciliation.

In a statement on Tuesday during the joint meeting of the House Committee on Justice and the Committee on National Defense and Security, Justice Assistant Secretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong said that the proclamations are a significant step towards achieving lasting peace and the Department of Justice is prepared to work closely with the National Amnesty Commission in processing applications for amnesty under the new proclamations.

“These proclamations grant amnesty to these groups for crimes committed in (inaudible) of their political beliefs, thereby encouraging them to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to the nation’s progress,” she said, adding that the DOJ will work tirelessly to ensure that the amnesty process is fair, transparent, and respectful of the rights of all parties involved.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also reiterated its support for the Presidential proclamations on the grant of amnesty.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines supports and welcomes the grant of amnesty to members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, National Democratic Front, Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas, Revolutionary Proletarian Army, the Alex Boncayao Brigade, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF),” AFP Captain Norsal Dimaporo said of the military’s position.

“We believe that this is a significant step towards ending all armed conflicts in the country and delivering just and lasting peace in our communities. Granting amnesty brings closure to hostilities and this is in line with the government’s call for peace, unity and reconciliation and push forward for lasting amity among Filipinos.”

The AFP is confident, Dimaporo said, that the administration’s grant of amnesty will promote an atmosphere of conducive to the attainment of a just, comprehensive and enduring