JOINT PANEL ADOPTS RESOLUTIONS GRANTING AMNESTY TO EX-REBELS

THE House Committees on Justice and on National Defense and Security, in a joint hearing on Tuesday, adopted House Concurrent Resolutions (HCR) 19, 20, 21, and 22, respectively concurring with Presidential Proclamations 403, 404, 405, and 406, all seeking to grant amnesty to former member of rebels groups who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

These are former members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RMRP-RPA-ABB), the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CCP-NPA-NDF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

According to Justice panel vice chairperson General Santos City Rep. Loreto Acharon, these HCRs are aimed at reinforcing the proclamations issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Iloilo Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas, National Defense and Security panel chair, described the move as “fitting” and will help these rebels lead productive lives.

“This will provide them the opportunity to access government services as they are reintegrated in society. Kasama ang House ng administrasyon para sa ganitong effort sa isang peaceful, resilient, and prosperous society,” Tupas said.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez explained that granting amnesty is an integral part of comprehensive peace processes.

He stressed that this is the path towards normalization not only to reintegrate the former rebels into the society, but to enable them to become peaceful, productive, and law-abiding citizens.

Galvez reported that there is already a transformation and normalization roadmap for ex-combatants and their families.

Among the ongoing efforts for their reintegration are the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program, provision of housing facilities, distribution of financial support, and implementation of livelihood programs.

Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan asked the government to be able to identify and address the root cause of insurgency.

Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano underscored that it is the government’s commitment to combat internal armed conflict through peace processes, and that public servants must comply with and support these processes.