Manila: A total of 719 former rebels in the Bicol Region have applied for the government amnesty program, according to the Local Amnesty Board Secretariat of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Phil Listanco, NAC regional director, urged eligible former and active rebels to apply before the deadline on Friday, March 13. He emphasized that the application process requires only the applicant and any valid identification card, stressing that the decision to apply must come voluntarily from the individual. The program aims to offer a second chance for those who seek to reintegrate into society.
Listanco reported that the nationwide total has reached approximately 11,000 applications. Out of these, the government has approved 16 applications. Fifteen approvals were granted to members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Mindanao, with one granted to a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
He indicated optimism about the approval chances but maintained focus on the concluding days of the application period. The amnesty program is designed for former rebels with legal cases linked to acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs. Successful applicants could receive amnesty, exempting them from prosecution for past offenses and facilitating their reintegration into society.
Listanco mentioned that the commission has already requested an extension of the application period to accommodate more applicants.