Senate adopts resolutions granting amnesty to MILF, MNLF, RPMP-RPA-ABB members

The Senate on Monday adopted three House concurrent resolutions granting amnesty to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB) who committed crimes under existing laws.

The Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolutions 12, 13, and 14 without amendments, voting 18-0-0 on all the measures.

In sponsoring the measures, Senate National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation Committee Chairman Panfilo Lacson said these resolutions would give a “chance to heal the open wounds brought by our endless battle for peace and unification.”

He added that this was “an opportune time to embrace back into society those who went beyond the folds of our laws in furtherance of their political beliefs and aspirations.”

These measures were in concurrence with Presidential Proclamation Nos. 1090, 1091, and 1092, which granted amnesty to members of the three groups, and Executive Order 125 which created the National Amnesty Commission.

“To say that this is an 'act of compassion' may not be enough without emphasizing what it truly stands for, that is an act of mercy not only for those who will be granted amnesty but also for those who seek a true and lasting national peace and reconciliation,” he said.

“This is just an abridged narrative of our decades-long battle against this political divide. In the foreground of all of these peace negotiations, nonetheless, is the promise of the government not only of socio-economic development but of the granting of amnesty.”

Lacson said this was the time for the Senate to stand up to its commitment to attaining the objectives of the government’s “myriad of peace negotiations.”

“Through these amnesty grants, we are handing out second chances to the over 7,600 prospective applicants who are willing to have a new start in life in a secure place in society,” he said.

Lacson emphasized that amnesty was an act of compassion on the part of the government. It was also a chance to mend the wounds from our constant struggle.

"More importantly, this is our time to heal. If viewed the same by all parties concerned, then our concurrence may be another step closer towards reconciliation, and ultimately the attainment of lasting peace.” — DVM, GMA News