Active MNLF member first to apply for amnesty under PBBM program
An active member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has applied for amnesty in Cotabato City under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s amnesty program for members of rebel groups.
The MNLF combatant is the first to do so in the country and raised hopes that others will follow suit to cultivate an environment where peace will thrive in the once conflict-plagued Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The applicant, represented by his daughter, filed his amnesty application form last May 7, a week after the opening of the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Cotabato City.
He has a case for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition which is currently pending in court, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
"When we learned about the amnesty program from the news, our first reaction was relief because our father, as a member of the MNLF, is entitled to avail the program of the government," said the rebel's daughter. Both their identities were withheld by the OPAPRU for security reasons.
She said her father is already on bail but could not personally appear before the Lab-cotabato due to a health condition.
"But we are definitely hoping that he will no longer be convicted because of the guarantee of freedom that the amnesty provides," she added.
The government’s amnesty program aims to grant amnesty to members of rebel groups who have committed offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws, among others, in furtherance of their political beliefs.
Members of the MNLF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who wish to avail of the amnesty may apply with the National Amnesty Commission’s LAB in Cotabato with office located at CNX 2 Building in front of Cotabato City Schools Division Office, Notre Dame Village, Rosary Heights VIII, Cotabato City.
They may also contact the office at Globe 09660423621 and Smart 09622886714.
Marcos reiterated that the amnesty program will "create a climate conducive for peace and reconciliation, pave the way for former rebels to reintegrate into the society, and provide them access to government’s socioeconomic services."
The Lab-cotabato City serves as the frontline office of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) in the Bangsamoro region.
NAC Chairperson Leah Tanodra-armamento cited the agency's mandate to accept and process amnesty applications, recommend these applications to the Office of the President, and create a LAB in various provinces, cities, and municipalities as necessary.
Executive Order No. 125, Series of 2021, which Marcos later amended with Executive Order No. 47, established the NAC under the previous Duterte administration.