THE SENATE'S concurrence to President Ferdinand Marcos R. Jr.'s proclamations granting amnesty to former rebels would expedite their normalization and reintegration into mainstream society, the country's peace body said Thursday.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. issued the statement after the upper chamber on Wednesday concurred with Proclamation 404, which grants amnesty to the former members of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its front organizations.
On March 4, the Senate adopted Presidential Proclamations 403, 405 and 406 granting amnesty to former members of the Rebolusyunaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively.
"By giving amnesty, we are opening a window of opportunity for former rebels to reintegrate into mainstream society as peaceful and productive individuals. This, in itself, is an act of compassion and reconciliation that will allow the healing of wounds caused by armed conflict, and break down the barriers of fear, animosity, and divisiveness among our people," Galvez noted.
The OPAPRU chief, meanwhile, said the National Amnesty Commission will soon issue the implementing rules and regulations of the national government’s amnesty program, which will begin its implementation by accepting applicants from the revolutionary groups.
Galvez added that the Senate’s move marks another significant milestone in the country's continuing quest to achieve genuine and lasting peace.
He said amnesty is an invaluable instrument for social justice, as it upholds the dignity of former rebels who have laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law.
Galvez also said the grant of amnesty sends a clear and strong message of hope, compassion and reconciliation to those who wish to abandon armed struggle.
"Our dear senators, your support for the government’s Amnesty Program symbolizes your steadfast commitment to push forward the comprehensive Philippine peace process. You are helping to pave the way for a more inclusive, harmonious and peaceful society where every Filipino can contribute to nation-building and enjoy the dividends of genuine peace and sustainable development," he said. (Priam Nepomuceno)
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