• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Nine more former members of the New People’s Army in northern Negros applied for amnesty before the National Amnesty Commission through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)-Bacolod yesterday.
They were assisted by the 79th Infantry Battalion in the submission of the documents to the LAB-Bacolod, whose members went to the 79IB headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City.
In July this year, the 79IB also assisted 52 amnesty applicants from northern Negros.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, lauded the former rebels for their courage in choosing peace over conflict, as he emphasized the importance of the amnesty program initiatives in fostering peace and reconciliation.
Since July this year, NAC recorded 175 former rebels in Negros, who applied for amnesty.
Under Proclamation No. 404, the amnesty program application for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front is effective for two years, starting March 13 this year.
The crimes covered by the amnesty program are political crimes or crimes committed in pursuit of political beliefs, according to the NAC. | GB
