President Marcos has ordered the immediate implementation of the amnesty program for the remaining members of communist groups in the country.
Marcos made the directive during a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) executive committee meeting on Thursday, April 4.
"The President has directed the immediate implementation of the amnesty program to the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) since Congress has already concurred with the proclamation," National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said in a Palace briefing.
It can be recalled that in November last year, Marcos issued an executive order and several proclamations, granting amnesty to rebels and insurgents.
Año added that the President has also reiterated his directive, which he made last year, for government agencies to activate their respective project development office for the implementation of NTF-ELCAC projects in their respective agencies.
Moreoever, Marcos also directed the Cabinet to increase the financial support to the 846 Barangay Development Program (BDP) for 2024.
He tasked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allow the 846 barangays to access the Financial Assistance through local government units "so that their requirements for farm-to-market roads and water system and sanitation can immediately be funded this year."
The BDP was established with the end goal of bringing development to conflict-affected communities.
Since the program’s inception, a total of P30.4 billion have been allocated to benefit some 4,501 barangays nationwide that were cleared of NPA influence.
The Chief Executive also directed the NTF-ELCAC to propose specific programs and projects for continuous implementation of projects for the 5,430 barangays that have been part of the BDP program since its inception.
Marcos also told the Cabinet to study the proposed 2024 to 2028 NTF-ELCAC roadmap, directing the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of National Defense (DND) to submit their comments which seek to institutionalize the NTF-ELCAC transformation program for combatants, their families, and barangays.
The proposed roadmap has two tracks: addresses the primary issues and root causes of the communist armed conflict and ensures that former rebels are fully mainstream to contribute to nation building.
It is poised to significantly contribute to the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2038 in terms of ensuring peace and security and administration of justice.