DND: Gov't remains alert vs terrorism, extremism amid rebel amnesty

Following the amnesty granted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against four rebel groups, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippine government remained alert against terrorism and extremism.

“Because as you know, worldwide, the reiterations, the modifications, the number of extremist potential is still there. We cannot take it lightly,” Teodoro said Friday during an ambush interview.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the following groups were granted amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406:

• Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB)
• Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)
• Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
• Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)

The amnesty was granted to encourage rebels to return to the fold of the law, according to the PCO.

For Teodoro, the amnesty complemented government efforts to end the insurgency in the country as some rebels refused to surrender because of existing warrants of arrest.

Teodoro added that the amnesty would need the concurrence of Congress.

The National Amnesty Commission was meanwhile being established to vet the qualified recipients of amnesty, according to the Defense Secretary.

For its part, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity would provide livelihood and other forms of assistance to the former rebels.

Meanwhile, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said they were committed to accelerating the implementation of the amnesty.

“The Task Force is committed to work and expedite the full implementation of the Proclamations that grant amnesty for former members of various rebel groups,” the NTF-ELCAC said in a statement.

The task force thus called on the remaining members of the concerned rebel groups to surrender to authorities.

“Let us move forward together, transcending past conflicts and differences, towards a future where peace reigns supreme,” it said.

“Our collective efforts today lay the groundwork for a more cohesive and prosperous Philippines tomorrow.” — DVM, GMA Integrated News