President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday authorized the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue safe conduct passes (SCPs) to former rebels applying for amnesty.

Marcos signed the order in a ceremony at the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, and ordered the government agencies concerned to support the administration’s peace and reconciliation efforts.

Marcos said the safe conduct passes would allow applicants to access the government’s amnesty program without fear of being arrested.

The document would ensure their safety and security as they wait for the results of their applications.

“These certificates of safe conduct (SCP) will not only provide protection to amnesty applicants from arrest, detention, and prosecution, more importantly, they serve as an invitation to all rebels to end the armed struggle,” Marcos said.

“This is a new chapter, set aside personal interests, and unite in promoting the development of our nation,” he added.

Memorandum Order No. 36 authorizes the NAC to issue SCPs to amnesty applicants from the 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.

The NAC shall issue SCPs to amnesty applicants who are not under detention and who have manifested their desire to surrender in order to apply for amnesty.