• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 210 former rebels in Negros Island filed their applications for government amnesty, according to the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army.
Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 3ID public affairs chief, said that aside from those in Negros, 90 former rebels in Panay Island also applied for amnesty.
The former rebels in Negros were assisted by the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades in processing their applications before the Local Amnesty Board-Bacolod from July 8 to 12.
The 301st Infantry Brigade assisted those who applied in Panay at Camp General Adriano Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo on July 11.
Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said in a statement that the willingness of former rebels 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.”
He also called on the remnants of the New People’s Army to “lay down their arms, surrender, return to the fold of the law and the comfort of their families, and avail of the government’s amnesty program.”
In November last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 47, amending Executive Order No. 125, series of 2021, for the creation of the National Amnesty Commission to cover the processing of the applications for amnesty under Proclamations 403, 404 and 406.
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 Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (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 Nov. 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. | GB
