Senate nod on amnesty grants to hasten reintegration of ex-rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2024): Senate nod on amnesty grants to hasten reintegration of ex-rebels (By Priam Nepomuceno)

OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (File photo)

MANILA – The Senate's concurrence to President Ferdinand Marcos R. Jr.'s proclamations granting amnesty to former rebels would expedite their normalization and reintegration into mainstream society, the country's peace body said Thursday.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. issued the statement after the upper chamber on Wednesday concurred with Proclamation 404, which grants amnesty to the former members of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its front organizations.

On March 4, the Senate adopted Presidential Proclamations 403, 405 and 406 granting amnesty to former members of the Rebolusyunaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively.

"By giving amnesty, we are opening a window of opportunity for former rebels to reintegrate into mainstream society as peaceful and productive individuals. This, in itself, is an act of compassion and reconciliation that will allow the healing of wounds caused by armed conflict, and break down the barriers of fear, animosity, and divisiveness among our people," Galvez noted.

The OPAPRU chief, meanwhile, said the National Amnesty Commission will soon issue the implementing rules and regulations of the national government’s amnesty program, which will begin its implementation by accepting applicants from the revolutionary groups.

Galvez added that the Senate’s move marks another significant milestone in the country's continuing quest to achieve genuine and lasting peace.

He said amnesty is an invaluable instrument for social justice, as it upholds the dignity of former rebels who have laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law.

Galvez also said the grant of amnesty sends a clear and strong message of hope, compassion and reconciliation to those who wish to abandon armed struggle.

"Our dear senators, your support for the government’s Amnesty Program symbolizes your steadfast commitment to push forward the comprehensive Philippine peace process. You are helping to pave the way for a more inclusive, harmonious and peaceful society where every Filipino can contribute to nation-building and enjoy the dividends of genuine peace and sustainable development," he said.

Ready for implementation

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), meanwhile, said it is ready to implement the Marcos administration’s amnesty programs in coordination with other agencies.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. also thanked lawmakers for their unwavering support to the President’s quest for genuine and lasting peace

"With the vibrant leadership of the President, let’s move forward towards inclusive unity, peace and development. Let ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ make a difference in our lives," Torres said.

On Nov. 22, 2023, the President signed Executive Order (EO) No. 47, amending EO 125 series of 2021.

The EO updates the National Amnesty Commission's (NAC) functions to include processing applications for amnesty under the new proclamations.

On Nov. 29, 2023, House Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 19, 20, 21, and 22 were introduced by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other House leaders in support of the Chief Executive’s amnesty proclamations for various rebel groups.

"While amnesty provides a chance for redemption, it does not exempt individuals from accountability for grave offenses. We must reinforce our dedication to upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability for past actions, and adhere to the principles of 'Bagong Pilipinas'," the NTF-ELCAC official stressed.

He added the Proclamation excludes crimes such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes against chastity as defined in the Revised Penal Code, crimes committed for personal gain, violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, and genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights.

Also, Torres said it is essential that all stakeholders in peacebuilding—including religious leaders, marginalized groups, and civil society organizations—are included in these inclusive initiatives.

"We must also continue dialogues and engagements to address the root causes of the conflict. Our local peace engagement actively involving local government units down to the barangays have been very successful. Sustainable peace can only be achieved by addressing social ills and fostering social justice and equality," Torres said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220773