BACOLOD City – New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Island that committed heinous crimes won’t be given amnesty, according to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered last month the granting of amnesty to surrendering insurgents.
Covered under Proclamation Nos. 403, 405, and 406 were “members [of the concerned rebel groups] who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs,” while Proclamation No. 404 grants amnesty to “former members of the … CPP-NPA-NDF” who have committed such crimes also in furtherance of their political beliefs.
Based on the proclamation, the clause “crimes committed in pursuit of a political belief” shall include, but shall not be limited to, acts and omissions performed or undertaken as part of a plan, program of action or strategy decided by the rebel leadership to overthrow and replace the national government, any of its political subdivisions, or duly constituted authority, with or without the use of arms.”
Amnesty is granted to rebels who committed crimes whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws, including but not limited to rebellion or insurrection; conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection; disloyalty of public officers or employees; and inciting to rebellion or insurrection.
Other offenses include sedition; conspiracy to commit sedition; and inciting to sedition; illegal assembly; illegal association; direct assault; indirect assault; resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person; tumults and other disturbances of public order; unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances; and alarms and scandals.
Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, spokesperson for 3ID, said eligibility for amnesty depends on the provisions of the program, determining which rebels can avail themselves of it.
The program primarily targets members of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and those involved in political cases.
Javines further stated that amnesty cannot be given to rebels who are facing heinous crimes such as murder, rape, and drug offenses.
Furthermore NPA rebels who have illegally possessed anti-personnel mines are not covered in the government’s amnesty program.
Javines pointed out that the best option for the NPA insurgents is to surrender.
He again urged the remaining rebels in Negros to do so, adding that they will receive help from the government.
According to 3ID, 236 NPA rebels have been neutralized in Western Visayas this year, of which 134 were from Negros Occidental.
The NPA in Negros particularly suffered heavy setbacks in the past few months as government forces targeted their leadership. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
