Malaca±ang: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Committee (ExeCom) is proposing an extension of the insurgent amnesty program for an additional two years beyond the current deadline of March 16, 2026.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a press conference, National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Chair Leah Tanodra-Armamento revealed that the program has received 4,269 applications as of September 19, out of a projected 10,000 applicants by the program’s anticipated conclusion next year. Armamento expressed concerns that qualified applicants might be excluded if the application period closes in March 2026.
Task Force Balik Loob, established by the government to provide support to former rebels from the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, Militia ng Bayan, and their family members, estimates a total of 50,000 potential applicants. Additionally, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has identified approximately 40,000 decommissioned members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as potential candidates for amnesty.
Armamento emphasized the necessity of seeking a two-year extension, explaining that a presidential proclamation for amnesty requires Congressional concurrence. NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. mentioned that the extension’s approval is pending further review by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In a related development, the ExeCom has expressed support for Senate Bill (SB) 1366, known as the ‘Terror Grooming Prevention Act,’ which aims to bolster preventive measures against radicalization, recruitment, and indoctrination, particularly targeting the youth and other vulnerable groups. Senator Ronaldo dela Rosa introduced SB 1366 on September 9, 2025.
The announcement also included the oath-taking of new Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) members of the ExeCom and cluster heads. Among the appointments, Department of Information and Communications (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda was designated as CORDS for Region 4-B (Mimaropa), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon for Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).
Additionally, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa was appointed as CORDS for Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), while Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel was assigned as CORDS for Region 12 (Soccsksargen). Several Cabinet members were also sworn in as ExeCom members, including Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, and Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling. Other new ExeCom members include Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Commission on Higher Education Chair Shirley Agrupis, and Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe.
Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Philippine Council for Evangelical Churches was named as one of two private sector representatives on the ExeCom.
