Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 26) — The government’s defense and security cluster on Sunday expressed its support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s grant of amnesty to rebel groups.
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the National Security Council (NSC) and the Department of National Defense (DND) welcomed the move and its contribution to efforts for maintaining lasting peace in the country.
“We recognize these proclamations as significant steps towards national healing and peacebuilding. By providing a path for former rebels to return to the fold of the law, the national amnesty program contributes to the overall stability and unity of our nation,” the PCO quoted the NSC as saying, adding that they look forward to the “positive impact” of the decision.
“The granting of amnesty offers an invaluable opportunity for our brothers and sisters to transform their lives, avail of government services, and rejoin their families and communities,” Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was quoted as saying.
On Friday, Marcos issued several proclamations that gave amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
The amnesty covers crimes committed “in pursuit of their political beliefs,” but does not include several acts such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, and terrorism, among others.
For Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, the amnesty would bring an end to hostilities and open the door for more lasting peace, the PCO said.“The AFP is confident that the administration’s grant of amnesty will promote an atmosphere conducive to the attainment of a just, comprehensive and enduring equanimity as we collectively address other pressing challenges to our country,” he added.Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez and the Bangsamoro government also issued statements of support. Meanwhile, National Amnesty Commission chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento said the NAC would speed up the processing of the applications of the elderly and those already in detention.The MILF also welcomed the amnesty grant, saying it would allow former MILF combatants to get a new lease on life.MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim added their priority “is to ensure that the agreements in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) are mutually honored, substantially implemented, and timely completed.”
