General amnesty sought for NPAs in prison

THE MAKABAYAN bloc has filed a resolution urging President Duterte to grant a “general, unconditional, and omnibus” amnesty to all detained and convicted members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

House Resolution No. 198 was filed ahead of the start of peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Oslo on Aug. 20.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said that a presidential amnesty granted in concur- rence with Congress would “promote an atmosphere conducive to the attainment of a just, comprehensive and enduring peace, in line with the peace and reconciliation initiatives of President Duterte.”

“The proposed amnesty is necessary for the general interest of the Philippines and the Filipino people for a just and lasting peace,” said Zarate.

The amnesty would cover 519 political prisoners who have been charged and detained in connection with the NPA rebellion and other related crimes. It excludes rebels charged with crimes against chastity and rape.

The prisoners include 21 NDFP consultants who should have been long freed on the basis of the 1995 Philippine government-NDFP Joint Agreement for Safety and Immunity Guarantees.

Zarate said the amnesty should restore the political prisoners’ civil and political rights that were suspended or lost due to administrative or criminal ac- tions against the grantees.

He said this was the right time to tackle the root cause of the nearly half a century armed conflict because of the “openness and goodwill” between the government and the NDFP.

Aside from Zarate, the resolution was signed by Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of ACT Teachers, Emmi de Jesus and Arlene D. Brosas of Gabriela, Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis, and Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan.