Rebels urged to consider gov’t amnesty program

THE National Security Council (NSC) is urging rebel groups, including the remaining members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), to take advantage of the government’s amnesty program.

The National Amnesty Commission has begun accepting applications for amnesty after Congress concurred with the Amnesty Proclamation of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

This is a significant development and a game changer in ending the more than 50-year communist armed conflict in the country.

The amnesty program opens the door to opportunities for all former

NPA combatants to renew their lives, reintegrate into mainstream society, and build a peaceful and brighter future for themselves and their families.

The NSC extends its sincere invitation to all rebels to consider the path of peace and reconciliation by availing of the amnesty program.

“We encourage all the remaining active members of the armed rebel groups to seize and embrace this chance for reconciliation and renewal of hope as we all work together towards lasting peace and development,” National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement released by the NSC.

“Thousands of former members of the NPA and their “Militia ng Bayan” have already surrendered in 2023 alone marking a major success in the integration of former rebels into mainstream society,” he added.

From January to March of this year, the armed strength of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been significantly reduced by 422 members.

The NPA has already been strategically defeated because there are no more active guerrilla fronts anywhere in the country and only 11 weakened guerrilla fronts remain: five in Luzon, three in the Visayas, and three in Mindanao.