Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday welcomed the granting of amnesty by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to eligible members of different rebels and insurgent groups who may have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.
“The issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 47 (s. 2023), which amended EO No. 125 (s. 2021) or the Creation of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), together with Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405 and 406, are a testament to the commitment of the Marcos administration to sustaining our gains in our internal security and stability,” Teodoro said in a statement.
Teodoro said the DND is behind the government’s concerted efforts to advance reconciliation and healing from the armed conflicts that have divided the nation for far too long.
“The granting of amnesty offers an invaluable opportunity for our brothers and sisters to transform their lives, avail [of] government services, and rejoin their families and communities,” he added.
Teodoro said the DND is hoping for the support of all Filipinos in this endeavor.
“And we shall work closely with the NAC for the full implementation of these proclamations aimed at rebuilding lives and nurturing lasting peace for all,” he added.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military supports and welcomes the grant of amnesty to members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army-National Democratic Front, Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa/Revolutinary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and Moro National Liberation Front.
“We believe that this is a significant step forward ending all armed conflicts in the country and delivering just and lasting peace in our communities,” Brawner said.
He added the granting amnesty brings closure to hostilities and is in line with the government’s call for peace, unity, and reconciliation and push forward lasting amity among Filipinos.
Brawner said the AFP is confident that the administration’s grant of amnesty will promote an atmosphere conducive to the attainment of a just, comprehensive, and enduring equanimity “as we collectively address other pressing challenges to our country.”
“We hope that the remaining members of these armed groups will accept the government’s comprehensive peace initiatives and use them to return to the folds of law and become productive members of the mainstream society,” Brawner said. (PNA)
