The Philippine government has recently launched an amnesty program for former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its front organizations.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas event in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, Deputy Brigade Commander, Col. Eric Guevarra of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army said that the program is open to former rebels who wish to reintegrate into society by granting them amnesty, which extinguishes their criminal liabilities related to their past political offenses.
“Inilunsad lang ito noong Marso. Puwedeng mag-avail ‘yung ating mga kapatid na napunta sa kabilang grupo para nang sa ganun ay mamuhay na po sila ng payapa,” according to Guevarra.
(It was just launched in March. Our brothers and sisters who went to the other group can avail themselves of it so they can live in peace.)
The government also established halfway houses in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, and Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, where those returning will temporarily stay while receiving skills training and processing their amnesty applications.
“[Itinayo natin ito] para sa ganun ay dito natin i-house ‘yung mga nagbalik loob na para habang sila ay pinoproseso ay masiguro natin ang kanilang protection,”
([We built it] where we will house those who have returned so that while they are being processed, we can ensure their protection.)
The new program is distinct from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government initiative aimed at helping former rebels.
According to Guevarra, there are currently 72 individuals in the process of receiving assistance under E-CLIP, while 278 have already benefited from the program’s various support services, including livelihood assistance, and education. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
