House panels OK amnesty resolutions for rebel groups
THE House Committees on Justice and on National Defense and Security on Wednesday endorsed for plenary approval four House Concurrent Resolutions granting amnesty to rebel groups.
Approved during Wednesday’s joint hearing were the Committee Reports on House Concurrent Resolutions 12, 13, 14, and 15 authored by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
The resolutions concur with Proclamation 1090, 1091, 1092, and 1093 granting amnesty to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/revolutionary Proletarian Army/alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), and former rebels of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), who have committed crimes punishable under Act 3815 or the Revised Penal Code, and special penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.
The resolutions are expected to be adopted in the plenary when session resumes on May 17.
House Committee on National Defense and Security Chairman Rep. Raul Tupas said the grant of amnesty to former rebels is an integral component of the government’s comprehensive peace efforts.
“As the joint committees approve the committee reports for the House Concurrent Resolutions 12, 13 14 and 15, we have taken firm steps in concretizing the peace agenda. We have affirmed the peace process and expressed support to the government’s effort in attaining a just and hopefully sustainable peace for the Filipino people,” he said.
For his part, Velasco said, “The amnesty program is a huge step toward achieving just and lasting peace in the country and giving former rebels a path back into civilian life.”
“The amnesty will also provide a meaningful and complete transformation and assimilation of the MILF decommissioned combatants into peaceful and progressive lives towards national reconciliation and healing in the Bangsamoro,” he added.
In February, President Duterte issued Proclamation 1090, 1091, 1092, and 1093 granting amnesty to members of the MILF, MNLF, RPMP-RPA-ABB, and CTG who have committed crimes in “furtherance of their political beliefs.”
In his proclamation, President Duterte said there is a need to reintegrate as soon as possible all rebels and insurgents into the mainstream society under the rule of law, including those who may have committed unlawful acts.
The amnesty “shall extinguish any criminal liability for acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs” and restore political and civil rights, which were lost due to criminal conviction, the proclamation stated.
However, the amnesty would not cover kidnappings for ransom, massacres, rape, terrorism, drug trafficking and certain crimes the United Nations says should never be covered by amnesties, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and torture.