Statement of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict

November 24, 2023

The NTF-ELCAC hails President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Proclamations 403, 404, 405,and 406 for former rebels as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to unity, peace and justice toward genuine development.

The Task Force is committed to work and expedite the full implementation of the Proclamations that grants amnesty for former members of various rebel groups.

This is the moment that we all have been praying for our brothers and sisters who were blinded by their lost causes, particularly the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas (RPMP) to be formally reintegrated into mainstream society.

In issuing these Amnesty Proclamations, the President recognizes the complexity of our nation's history and the diverse narratives that have shaped it. The amnesty initiative seeks to weave together the threads of justice, reconciliation, understanding, unity, and progress, transcending past grievances towards a shared vision of a unified and peaceful Philippines.

We thank the President for always walking the talk with a clear vision rooted in the principles of reconciliation and unity.

The amnesty serves as a bridge toward healing and reintegration for individuals who once stood on opposing sides of armed conflict. It is imperative to emphasize the profound commitment to justice and societal healing embedded within this amnesty program.

We call on the last remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and RPMP to give up the armed struggle and formally return to the folds of the law, embrace this opportunity to finally reunite with their families, loved ones, and communities and become productive and peaceful members of our society once again. Let us move forward together, transcending past conflicts and differences, towards a future where peace reigns supreme. Our collective efforts today lay the groundwork for a more cohesive and prosperous Philippines tomorrow.

Magkaisa para sa abot-kamay na kapayapaan, kaligtasan, at kaunlaran! ###

Usec. Ernesto Torres, Jr.

Executive Director, NTF ELCAC