Senate adopts amnesty resolutions

MANILA, Philippines: The Senate adopted three resolutions concurring with the three proclamations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granting amnesty to communist and Muslim rebels.

«The congressional concurrence to the presidential proclamations signifies the Filipino people's support to the comprehensive peace efforts and genuine commitment of the government to attaining lasting peace,» Sen. Jose «Jinggoy» Estrada said.

At least 2,000 former members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), 1,200 from the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), and 400 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) surrenderees are expected to avail of the amnesty.

Adopted during Monday's plenary session were House Concurrent Resolutions 19, 21, and 22 concurring with Presidential Proclamations 403, 405, and 406 – the amnesty given to rebels from the RPMP-RPA-ABB, MILF, and MNLF respectively.

Estrada said these measures would foster healing and social cohesion, and would «provide the window to end internal armed conflict and rebellion which have led to lost economic opportunities and the lives of countless Filipinos.»

The chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security thanked the Senate leadership for prioritizing these measures «amid the very hectic legislative agenda.»

Amnesty will be granted to rebels who committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs such as rebellion or insurrection, sedition, illegal assembly, direct and indirect assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, and illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, or explosives.

The amnesty does not cover crimes such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes against chastity, crimes committed for personal ends, violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights.