MANILA, Philippines — At least 18 former communist rebels who surrendered to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) have been granted amnesty by the government as part of efforts to reintegrate former New People’s Army (NPA) members into mainstream society.
The amnesty was issued in coordination with the military, police, and the National Amnesty Board, and includes safe conduct passes and official amnesty documents, effectively clearing the former rebels of criminal charges under the amnesty program.
“Ito yung partial commitment ng government na binigay sa inyo, at sana ay ipagpatuloy natin ang pamumuhay ng tahimik at pag-contribute sa progress ng ating bayan,”
(“This is the government’s partial commitment to you, and we hope you will continue living peacefully and contribute to the progress of our nation,”)
said National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Commissioner Jamar Kulayan.
Protection from Prosecution
Regional Prosecutor Merlyn Uy explained that the safe conduct passes protect the former rebels from arrest and prosecution related to offenses covered under the amnesty proclamations.
Uy noted that the amnesty program has already received around 200 applications, the majority of which—150—were from members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). The remaining 25 percent came from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“150 of which came from CPP-NPA-NDF which was endorsed by AFP brigades and battalions of 4ID. The remaining 50 applications or 25% came from the MILF,” Uy said.
Application Deadline Reminder
4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Michelle Anayron reminded eligible individuals to apply before the deadline next year.
“Kung may contact pa kayo sa mga kaibigan o kasamahan, sabihin ninyo na may deadline ito. Pagkatapos ng deadline sa susunod na taon, hindi na nila ito maaaring i-avail,”
(“If you still have contact with your comrades, tell them there’s a deadline. Once it passes next year, they can no longer avail of this.”)
Anayron said.
Returnees Express Gratitude
Some of the rebel returnees expressed their gratitude to the government and reflected on their past fears.
“Nasa loob pa kami noon, hindi talaga kami susuko dahil takot kaming makulong o mapatay. Kaya ngayon, hindi ko maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko,”
(“Back then, we didn’t want to surrender because we were afraid we’d be imprisoned or killed. Now, I can’t even describe what I’m feeling,”)
said a former rebel who introduced herself as alias “Mary Grace.”
The amnesty program is a key component of the Philippine government’s ongoing peace and reintegration efforts aimed at ending decades of armed conflict and promoting sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.
Photo via GMA Regional TV One Mindanao
