Security sector claps on PBBM’s amnesty grant for former rebels in Phl

The country's security sector welcomed the granting of amnesty by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to eligible members of different rebels and insurgent groups who may have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the issuance of Executive Order 47 (s. 2023), which amended EO 125 (s. 2021) or the Creation of the National Amnesty Commission, together with Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406, "are a testament to the commitment of the Marcos Administration to sustaining our gains in 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 granting of amnesty offers an invaluable opportunity for former rebels "to transform their lives, avail 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," said Teodoro.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the amnesty marks "significant step towards the full transformation" of both active and former members of New Peoples' Army, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, and Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB) "into productive and peaceful citizens of our country."

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

Galvez underscored that the Amnesty program serves as an integral part of the implementation of the country's Comprehensive Peace Process.

The amnesty program will allow them to transition into peaceful and productive civilian life through the restoration of their social and political rights which will provide them the greater participation and engagement with the broader community, he added.

"As we welcome this pivotal opportunity, let us recognize the potential for healing and reconciliation in our communities," said Galvez.

Galvez said the amnesty proclamation "opens a door for a renewed sense of unity and understanding, fostering an environment" where former rebels as well as their families can rebuild their lives, uplift their conditions, and contribute positively to our shared goal of pursuing peace in the country.

"Rest assured, our commitment is unwavering, and we stand ready to actively contribute to ensure the full implementation of the Proclamations together with the National Amnesty Commission," he said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said he shared his commitment to an inclusive peace agenda that strives to create a conducive environment for reconciliation and social transformation.

"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 folds of the law," he said.

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

"As we extend a hand of reconciliation to all FRs, 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" that grants amnesty for former members of various rebel groups.

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

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

"In issuing these Amnesty Proclamations, the President recognizes the complexity of our nation's history and the diverse narratives that have shaped it," he said.

Torres said the amnesty initiative seeks to weave together the threads of justice, reconciliation, understanding, unity, and progress, transcending past grievances toward a shared vision of a unified and peaceful Philippines.

"This is the moment that we all have been praying for our brothers and sisters who were blinded by their lost causes, particularly the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Fron and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas to be formally reintegrated into mainstream society," he said.

Torres called on the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and RPMP to give up the armed struggle and formally return to the folds of the law, "embrace this opportunity to finally reunite with their families, loved ones, and communities and become productive and peaceful members of our society once again."

"Let us move forward together, transcending past conflicts and differences, towards a future where peace reigns supreme. Our collective efforts today lay the groundwork for a more cohesive and prosperous Philippines tomorrow," he said.

Philippine Army Lt.Gen. Roy Galido expressed support for the amnesty grant citing it "only demonstrates the genuine desire of the government to have an inclusive and long-lasting peace to every member of the society."

"The Philippine Army also desires that the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Groups would use this opportunity to formally surrender and reunite with their families so they can lead, represent, and serve the country," said Galido.

The Army chief noted that Executive Order 47, amending Executive Order 125 series of 2021 or the Creation of the National Amnesty Commission, "is also a profound step in promoting reconciliation between the government and specific groups who are significant instruments in peacebuilding."