Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Thursday stood by the Marcos administration’s amnesty initiative for communist rebels despite the deadly clash in Oriental Mindoro on Aug. 12 that claimed the lives of government forces.
According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada emphasized that the tragic encounter should not derail the goal of Presidential Proclamation No. 404, which grants amnesty to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and other rebel groups who are willing to lay down their arms and reintegrate into society.
Estrada stated, “Ito ang dahilan kung bakit itinulak natin ang concurrence ng Senado sa Proclamation No. 404 (This is the reason why we pushed for the Senate’s concurrence with Proclamation No. 404). This effort aims to break the cycle of bloodshed.” Estrada, who sponsored the Senate resolution concurring with the amnesty proclamation last year, stressed that no ideology can justify armed struggle and the senseless deaths of soldiers at the hands of fellow Filipinos.
He further commented, “May ipinaglalaban man na ideolohiya ang mga NPA rebels, hindi kailanman magiging solusyon ang karahasan (Even if the NPA rebels are fighting for an ideology, violence will never be the solution).” Estrada urged remaining rebel elements to seize the opportunity for peace and choose dialogue over armed confrontation.
Estrada continued, “Violence cannot be the path to lasting change,” as he extended condolences to the families of the slain soldiers, vowing their sacrifice would not be forgotten. The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to peace-building efforts and national reconciliation, saying the amnesty program is part of a broader initiative to restore order and provide former rebels with a second chance to live peaceful and productive lives.
Proclamation No. 404, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2023, grants amnesty to former rebels who committed crimes in pursuit of political beliefs.
