Pact forged to coordinate gov't amnesty program for rebels

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) has been signed by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) to effectively coordinate the government’s amnesty program for the immediate and effective reconciliation and reintegration of former members of rebel groups into mainstream society.
NAC Chairperson Leah C. Tanodra-Armamento and her fellow Amnesty Commissioners Jamar M. Kulayan and Nasser A. Marohomsalic executed the MOA with NCMF Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim and NCMF Directors Jehan-Jehan A. Lepail and Michael M. Mamukid at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Friday, May 31.
The agreement seeks to institute collaborative efforts between the two commissions in providing legal advice relating to Republic Act No. 9997 or the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009 and other related legal matters when it comes to the grant of amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB); Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and their front organizations; the Moro Islamic Liberation Front; and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“This collaboration signifies a profound commitment to fostering a climate conducive to peace, implementing initiatives for the reconciliation and reintegration of rebels into mainstream society, and reinforcing the values that bind our communities together,” NAC Acting Executive Director Ma. Camille R. Sta. Maria said.
“This agreement is not merely a document; it is a testament to our shared vision of creating a society where every individual, regardless of their background, is afforded the opportunity for redemption and a fresh start,” she added.
The government has four amnesty programs separately covering the RPM-RPA-ABB, CPP-NPA-NDF; MILF, and MNLF.
In November 2023, President Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 47 to amend Executive Order No. 125, series of 2021, or the Creation of the National Amnesty Commission, to cover the processing of the applications for amnesty under Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406.
Around 100,000 former rebels comprised of Muslim separatists and communist insurgents are expected to avail of the amnesty grant by the government.