MNLF hails Marcos’ amnesty grant

The Moro National Liberation Front on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to pardon Muslim separatists and communist rebels.

In a statement, MNLF said Marcos' decision to grant amnesty to its members who wish to return to the fold of the law serves as a vehicle to ever-lasting unity, peace and reconciliation."

MNLF's Office of Deputy Speaker Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari said Proclamation No. 406 is a bold move demonstrating Marcos' commitment to unity, peace and reconciliation.

"Extending amnesty to the members of the MNLF by issuing Proclamation No. 406, dated 22 November 2023, President Marcos Jr. has displayed his genuine desire to heal the wounds of the past and foster brotherhood," Misuari said.

"Furthermore, by choosing amnesty, the President showcases his sincerity and foresight, recognizing that dialogue and negotiation are keys to resolving conflicts with those who once stood against the government," he added.

Misuari pointed out that Marcos' action permits MNLF members to participate in nation-building and facilitate their reintegration into society.

Proclamation No. 406, which Marcos signed on 22 November, grants amnesty to members of the MNLF who have committed crimes against the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws, among other laws, to further their political views.

Marcos said pardoning MNLF members will facilitate their reintegration into society, foster an environment of peace and reconciliation, and give them access to the socioeconomic services offered by the government.

The MNLF members' urgent demand for amnesty as a tool of peacemaking and a means of reintegrating into a democratic, pluralistic society was also mentioned by the chief executive.

"The grant of amnesty in favor of the foregoing group and individuals will promote an atmosphere conducive to the attainment of a just, comprehensive, and enduring equanimity and is in line with the government's call for peace, unity, and reconciliation to bring closure to past enmity, rancor, and bitterness that has stymied lasting amity among the Filipino people," Marcos said.

The Official Gazette has a comprehensive list of all the offenses covered by Proclamation No. 406 available.

Those who have already been banned or those prosecuted under Republic Act 9372, the Human Security Act of 2007, RA 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 are not eligible for the proclamation amnesty.

It also excludes crimes against chastity as defined by the Revised Penal Code, as modified, crimes done for selfish motives, breaking RA 9165, kidnapping for ransom, massacres, rape, terrorism and crimes against chastity.

Not covered are grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Convention as well as crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, torture, enforced disappearances, and other egregious human rights violations that the UN has designated as never being susceptible to amnesty.

In order to be eligible for amnesty, an applicant must confess in writing and under oath that they are guilty of the crime for which they are charged with a crime. They must also surrender any firearms, weapons, and/or explosives they may have in their possession at the time of application so they won't be held accountable for having them illegally, regardless of whether their request is granted or denied.

Within two years of Proclamation No. 406 taking effect, applications for amnesty must be submitted under oath to the Amnesty Commission.