Hundreds of ex-rebels apply for amnesty

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Hundreds of former rebels in Western and Central Visayas have availed of the government’s amnesty program.

In a press statement, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division said it has assisted hundreds of former rebels “towards their journey to a life of peace.”

To date, the 3rd ID, through its infantry brigades and in coordination with the Local Amnesty Boards of Bacolod and Iloilo, has received the applications of 300 former rebels since July 8, 2024.

In Negros Island, a total of 210 former rebels received assistance from the line battalions of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades, together with LAB-Bacolod, as they applied for amnesty during a five-day processing period from July 8-12, 2024.

The activity was held at the Bacolod City College AVR Room in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City.

Meanwhile, 90 former rebels in Panay Island participated in the Local Amnesty Information Awareness Drive and later filed their amnesty applications on July 11 at Camp General Adriano Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.

The activity was organized by the 301st Infantry Brigade and the Local Amnesty Board-Iloilo.

The activity aimed to equip the former rebels with essential knowledge about the government’s amnesty program before submitting their applications.

The amnesty follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s issuance of Executive Order No. 47 in November 2023. EO 47 amended Executive Order No. 125, series of 2021, which created the National Amnesty Commission to cover the processing of the applications for amnesty under Proclamations 403, 404, and 406.

Under Proclamation No. 404, Marcos granted amnesty to former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs, among other offenses.

These proclamations can grant amnesty to former rebels and insurgents who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

Former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who committed any act or omission in pursuit of political beliefs, including those detained, charged, or convicted for such acts or omissions, are covered by Proclamation 404 and may file an application for amnesty.

The crimes subject to amnesty, committed before November 22, 2023, include rebellion or insurrection, conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection, disloyalty of public officers or employees, inciting to rebellion or insurrection, sedition, and other crimes under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws.

To avail of the amnesty, former rebels must personally submit and file, or through a duly authorized representative, an original copy of the accomplished sworn application form and supporting documents before the NAC through the nearest LAB.

Amnesty applications must be filed before March 4, 2026. For inquiries and immediate assistance, former rebels may reach out to the nearest Infantry Battalion or Infantry Brigade under the 3ID in their locality.

Major General Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, commended its line units and LABs in Bacolod and Iloilo for their dedication and responsiveness in facilitating the former rebels’ amnesty applications.

He also emphasized the importance of unity and reconciliation among the people in establishing and sustaining stable internal peace and security in the Western and Central Visayas.

“Our collaborative efforts are a testament to the government’s sincerity in providing a pathway for former rebels to leave their past behind and transition into a peaceful and productive life,” he said.

Sison added that the former rebels’ willingness to apply for amnesty is an affirmation of their readiness to forgive, seek forgiveness, understand, and embrace second chances, paving the way for establishing a harmonious and inclusive region with stable internal peace and security.

Sison also called on the remaining members of the communist terrorist group to lay down their arms, surrender, return to the folds of the law and the comfort of their families, and avail of the government’s amnesty program.