Manila: The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) has so far received 7,758 amnesty applications as of January 26, urging eligible former rebels to submit their applications ahead of the March deadline to ensure timely processing.
According to Philippines News Agency, NAC Chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento shared during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview that the majority of applications, totaling 6,235, came from former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Additionally, 1,001 applicants were from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), less than 500 from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and 92 from the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).
Tanodra-Armamento emphasized the urgency for former members of these groups to file for amnesty before their respective deadlines-March 13 for CPP-NPA and March 4 for RPMP-RPA-ABB, MILF, and MNLF. She urged individuals without pending cases to file promptly to benefit from the government's offer of reconciliation.
A resolution approved by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTLF-ELCAC), led by the President, proposed extending the application period by two years. However, this extension awaits approval from the Office of the President.
Applicants with pending cases or arrest warrants are encouraged to apply, as the NAC provides safe conduct passes that temporarily suspend arrest warrant services during application reviews. This provision allows individuals to gather necessary documentation for their amnesty applications without fear of arrest.
Tanodra-Armamento highlighted the humanitarian aspect of safe conduct passes, noting their importance for elderly applicants needing medical care or family visits. She also clarified that amnesty applications are evaluated individually, regardless of any peace agreements between the government and the applicant's group.
Verification of applications involves coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the police, the prosecutor's office, and courts, before final action is taken by the Office of the President.
