PBBM OKs issuance of safe conduct passes for amnesty applicants

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Mabibigyan na ng NAC ng Safe Conduct Passes ang mga dating rebelde na may arrest warrant kaugnay ng kanilang paninindigang pampulitika, sa paglagda ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ng Memorandum Order (MO) No. 36. (PCO Photo)

MANILA – 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 36 was held at Camp BGen. 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 ang napilitang tahakin ang landas na taliwas sa batas na ang layunin ay sila’y protektahan at ipagtanggol (Some of our brothers, fellow Filipinos, because of the cause they are fighting for were forced to tread a path that is contrary to the law whose purpose is to protect and defend them),” 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 (Today, I want to inform you, our door is open. If your change is sincere, the government is ready to listen, help and support your reintegration into mainstream society),” 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 pagka-aresto, pagka-kulong at pag-uusig (These safe conduct passes will not only provide protection to amnesty applicants against arrest, imprisonment and prosecution),” Marcos said.

“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 (Above all, this is an invitation to all rebels to cease armed struggle. This is a new page to start over).”

Marcos also directed concerned agencies such as the NAC, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and the government troops to recognize the issuance of the safe conduct passes and accord the amnesty applicants with 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.

MO 36 authorizes the NAC to issue safe conduct passes to amnesty applicants covered by Proclamations 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.

MO 36 takes effect immediately.