July 18, 2024

The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) has recorded 578 applications from members of the New People’s Army (NPA) seeking amnesty under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s program, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

The majority of applicants, totaling 497, are affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA- NDF), according to the NAC report.

In addition, the NAC reported that two individuals from the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB) have sought amnesty, while 33 applicants were former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 46 were associated with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. urges all remaining NPA remnants to seize the opportunity and abandon the senseless decades-long armed struggle against the government.

"We appeal to you to renounce terrorism, lay down your arms, abandon the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA, and take advantage of the amnesty being offered by the President. Return to the fold of the law and live in peace with your families," Torres said.

He emphasized that applicants have until March 4, 2026, two years since Congress concurred, to submit their applications.

During the NTF-ELCAC 1st Semester Report last week, NAC representative Attorney Rizal Acas provided an update, stating that there are now 9 Local Amnesty Boards (LABs) established in strategic areas across the country.

The LABs serve as centers where NPA rebels can surrender and return to the fold of the law. They process applications at the local level for submission to NAC, which then forwards these processed applications to the Office of the President for final approval.

The 9 LABs are located in the following areas: National Capital Region (NCR); the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo in Visayas; and the cities of Cotabato, Pagadian, Davao, Isabela, Jolo, Sulu, and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.

Additional proposed LAB areas include San Fernando City, La Union; Gamu, Isabela; San Fernando City, Pampanga; Baguio City, Benguet; Lucena, Quezon; Legazpi City, Albay; Tacloban and Catbalogan cities in Eastern Visayas; Koronadal City in Region 12; and Butuan City in Region 13.

The NAC was established by Executive Order No. 125 series 2021, as amended by EO 47 of 2023. The amnesty program for former and current members bearing arms in the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front is covered by Proclamation 404.

"The crimes covered by the amnesty program are political crimes or crimes committed in pursuit of political beliefs," Acas explained."

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NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

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