By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday signed a memorandum order (MO) authorizing the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue safe conduct passes for former rebels applying for amnesty.
The ceremonial signing of MO No. 36 was held at Camp Brigadier General Gonzalo H. Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
In a keynote speech, Marcos said the signing of the memorandum order is a testament to the administration’s commitment to unity and healing of the nation, as it paves the way for the reconciliation with former rebels.
This, as he lamented that “one of the saddest episodes” in the Philippine history is the infighting among Filipinos because of different political ideologies.
“May ilan sa ating mga kapatid, mga kapwa Pilipino, nang dahil sa adhikaing pinaglalabanan ay napilitang tahakin ang landas na taliwas sa batas na ang layunin ay sila’y protektahan at ipagtanggol,” Marcos said.
“Ngayong araw na ito, nais kong iparating sa inyo, bukas po ang aming pinto. Kung taos-puso ang inyong pagbabago, handa ang pamahalaan na makinig, umalalay, at sumuporta sa inyong pagbabalik-loob,” he added.
Marcos said the issuance of the memorandum order is proof that the government is ready to extend a hand to former rebels who want to return to the fold of law but are reluctant to apply for amnesty because of the cases filed against them.
He said the NAC will begin issuing safe conduct passes to former combatants who are facing arrest warrants.
“Ang mga safe conduct passes na ito ay hindi lamang magbibigay ng proteksyon sa mga aplikante ng amnestiya laban sa pagkaaresto, pagkakulong, at pag-uusig. Higit sa lahat, ito ay isang paanyaya sa lahat ng mga rebelde na ihinto ang armadong pakikibaka. Ito ay isang bagong pahina upang makapagsimula muli,” Marcos said.
Marcos also directed concerned agencies such as the NAC, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), and the government troops to recognize the issuance of the safe conduct passes and accord the amnesty applicants a fair process.
The safe conduct pass is a tool that will allow amnesty applicants to access the amnesty program without fear of being arrested, ensuring their safety and security while they await the results of their applications.
The newly-signed MO authorizes the NAC to issue safe conduct passes to amnesty applicants covered by Proclamations No. 403, 404, 405, and 406 issued in November 2023.
The proclamations cover the former New People’s Army rebels and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).
The NAC is authorized to issue safe conduct passes to former rebels who are not under detention and who have manifested their desire to surrender, in order to apply for amnesty.
Based on the MO, the safe conduct pass grants the amnesty applicants the protection from arrest and prosecution for crimes; the authority and conformity of prosecutors to motions for suspension in any proceeding for crimes; and suspension of any reward and grant for their capture.
The said order takes effect immediately.
