Several active and retired military officials who are now working in different capacities in the government expressed support to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s decision to grant amnesty to members of rebel and insurgent groups.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. welcomed the issuance of Proclamations No. 403, 404, 405, and 406 which granted amnesty to both active and former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).
"This positive development will help the members of the various rebel groups to avail the comprehensive transformation process. The Amnesty program is an integral part of the implementation of the country's Comprehensive Peace Process," said Galvez, who is a retired general and former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief.
Galvez noted that the amnesty program will allow rebel returnees and insurgents 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.
"As we welcome this pivotal opportunity, let us recognize the potential for healing and reconciliation in our communities. 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," he stressed.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año believes that the amnesty program will foster "lasting peace" in the country besieged by insurgency and communist rebellion for many decades.
"We recognize these proclamations as significant steps towards national healing and peace-building. 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 of our nation," Año, also a retired general and former AFP chief, expressed.
He urged active members of the communist and insurgency groups to avail of the amnesty program and lead new lives back into the mainstream society.
"These amnesty proclamations will undoubtedly create a climate conductive for peace and reconciliation, pave the way for the former rebel’s reintegration to society, and provide them access to socio-economic services of government. It is a clear and unmistakable instrument of peace and reconciliation," he added.
For Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA), the amnesty program demonstrates the "genuine desire" of the government to have an "inclusive and long lasting peace to every members of the society."
The Army has been at the forefront of the government's campaign to end local communist armed conflict which has been waged by the CPP, along with its armed group NPA and political wing NDF, for 55 years already.
"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," Galido said.