Amnesty unlocks long-term peace

Granting state amnesty to former rebels is a necessary step towards enduring peace, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said of the reason for his recent issuance of proclamations granting amnesty to former rebels.

It's a significant step towards "nation-healing and peace-building," said Marcos, speaking at the First Scout Ranger Regiment's founding anniversary celebration in Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan, yesterday.

"As we celebrate these achievements, let us also address a pressing national concern — the pursuit of lasting peace," he said.

"Our commitment to reconciliation and unity reflected in the amnesty proclamations aligns directly with the Scout Ranger mission. 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 in our country," he added.

On 22 November, Marcos issued a series of directives granting amnesty to former New People's Army rebels and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, and Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade, or RPMP-RPA-ABB.

The Palace announced on 24 November the release of Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406 for the reprieve to rebels and insurgents to encourage them to return to the fold of the law as part of the administration's comprehensive peace initiatives.

Testament to commitment

The security sector was jubilant over Marcos' move.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the issuance of the directives that seek to create the National Amnesty Commission, among others, is "a testament to the commitment of the Marcos administration to sustaining our gains for our internal security and stability."

"We are fully behind the government's concerted efforts to advance reconciliation and healing from the armed conflicts that have divided our nation for far too long," he said.

Teodoro added that the grant of amnesty offers an invaluable opportunity for former rebels "to transform their lives, avail of government services, and rejoin their families and communities."

"The Department [of National Defense] hopes for the support of all Filipinos in this endeavor, and we shall work closely with the NAC for the full implementation of these proclamations aimed at rebuilding lives and nurturing lasting peace for all," Teodoro said.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the amnesty marks a "significant step towards the full transformation" of both active and former rebels "into productive and peaceful citizens of our country."

"This positive development will help the members of the various rebel groups avail of the comprehensive transformation process," he noted.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said the military organization welcomes and supports the amnesty campaign.

Brawner said the grant of amnesty will end hostilities and "is in line with the government's call for peace, unity, and reconciliation and to push forward lasting amity among Filipinos."

"We believe this is a significant step forward to end all armed conflicts in the country and deliver just and lasting peace to our communities."

Healing process stepped up

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said, "I welcome and applaud President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s decision to grant amnesty, through Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405 and 406, to former rebels who now wish to return to the fold of the law."

Abalos vowed the Department of the Interior and Local Government will continue to play an active role in furthering the reintegration process for former rebels and strengthening the social service assistance granted to them through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

"As we extend a hand of reconciliation, may we continue to raise the banner of unity to achieve lasting peace in our country," he said.

Meanwhile, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has committed "to immediately work and expedite the full implementation of the proclamations" granting amnesty to former members of various rebel groups.

Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., NTF-ELCAC executive director, said the amnesty serves as a bridge towards healing and reintegration for individuals who once stood on opposing sides of armed conflict.

Marcos granting amnesty, he added, "is imperative to emphasize the profound commitment to justice and societal healing" embedded within this amnesty program.

Bangsamoro thankful

For its part, the Bangsamoro autonomous government expressed its gratitude for the grant of amnesty to members of the MILF and the MNLF.

Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM, said the development is a significant milestone in the achievement of meaningful and enduring peace in the Bangsamoro, as this will form part of former combatants' full transformation towards being productive and peace-loving Filipino citizens.

Sinarimbo said the central government showed unwavering commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process and the signed peace agreements with the advancement of the amnesty, which is consequential to the full implementation of the normalization track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

"We call on our MILF and MNLF brothers and sisters to take this opportunity to prepare for the availment of amnesty gradually," Sinarimbo said.

"We in the Bangsamoro government are ready and willing to work with the national government and the National Amnesty Commission on the full implementation of the amnesty proclamations," Sinarimbo said.

"May we continue to work together and with sincerity towards a meaningful peace, reconciliation, and unity," he said. 

          With Lade Jean Kabagani