Brawner: Amnesty grant for former rebels to end hostilities, promotes lasting peace

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military organization supports and welcomes the grant of amnesty to former combatants in the country.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued the Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406, respectively, granting amnesty to members of Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade; Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and Moro National Liberation Front.

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

"We believe that this is a significant step forward ending all armed conflicts in the country and delivering just and lasting peace in our communities," he said.

Brawner 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."

"We hope that the remaining members of these armed groups will accept the government's comprehensive peace initiatives and use them to return to the folds of the law and become productive members of the mainstream society," he stressed.