AKLAN – Twenty-four former rebels have formally applied for the government’s Amnesty Program during an application acceptance activity held in Barangay Cabugao, Ibajay town.
The applicants, identified as former members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/ABB), took part in the activity spearheaded by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 6.
The initiative aims to provide former insurgents with a second chance to reintegrate into mainstream society and begin anew after years of armed struggle against the government.
RTF-ELCAC-6 spokesperson Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales said the applicants, who hail from Aklan and Antique, face criminal charges ranging from murder, frustrated murder, and arson to extortion and other politically motivated offenses.
“These crimes were committed in pursuit of political beliefs, but with this amnesty, they are given a chance to change and live normal lives,” Gonzales stressed.
During the event, the applicants underwent orientation sessions outlining their obligations under the program, before taking an oath administered by Gonzales to formalize their applications. The documents will undergo validation and review by the 301st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Police Regional Office 6, the Department of Justice, OPAPRU, and other government offices before endorsement to the Office of the President for final approval.
Applicants were also issued Safe Conduct Passes, which prevent the serving of arrest warrants while their applications are being processed. They likewise qualify for assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which includes livelihood support, educational assistance, and socio-economic aid from various government agencies.
Gonzales noted that while no full amnesty has yet been granted, many applicants have already benefited from protection measures and support programs. He also reminded that the amnesty application period will run only until March 2026.
“Walang sisihan kapag ang ibang kasama ninyo ay mabigyan ng amnestiya at kayo ay mananatiling nasa kulungan. We are not gambling on your future; we are telling you that you will have a bright future if you avail of the amnesty program,” Gonzales told the applicants.
Several former rebels also shared their experiences, admitting they were driven to join the armed movement by poverty, unfulfilled promises, and disenchantment with the government, but eventually realized that armed struggle was not the solution.
The government continues to urge remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their families to return to the fold of the law and avail of the program before the deadline. (PIA)
