- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The amnesty granted by the Marcos administration to former rebels and insurgents is “very timely”, said Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
In statement, Sison said it will serve as a major deciding factor to convince more members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to abandon the armed struggle, which is now on the verge of collapse.
“This is high time for you to reunite with your families and loved ones. Come down and avail of the amnesty program. Make that decision now, and you will reap a peaceful and meaningful future ahead of you,” he appealed.
The amnesty granted to members of armed groups are for those who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws, specifically those committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs, whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws.
These include those who belong to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front, Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the Moro National Liberation Front.
Sison said he believes that the amnesty proclamations will further boost the government’s comprehensive peace agenda and its campaign to end local communist armed conflict in Western and Central Visayas.
Twenty-nine NPA combatants, including militiamen, in central Negros recently surrendered to the 94th Infantry Battalion, in separate ceremonies held in cities of Himamaylan and Kabankalan, and turned over several firearms. | GB
