Marcos OKs safe conduct passes for amnesty applicants

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has authorized the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue safe conduct passes (SCPs) to former rebels who are seeking to apply for amnesty.

Marcos signed the order during the ceremony of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Friday.

“Ang mga SCP na ito ay hindi lamang magbibigay ng proteksyon sa mga aplikante ng amnestiya laban sa pagka-aresto, pagkakulong, at pag-uusig. Higit sa lahat, ito ay isang paanyaya sa lahat ng rebelde na ihinto ang armadong pakikibaka,” Marcos sad in his speech.

(These Certificates of Safe Conduct (SCPs) will not only provide protection to amnesty applicants from arrest, detention, and prosecution. More importantly, they serve as an invitation to all rebels to end the armed struggle.)

“Ito ay isang bagong pahina upang makapagsimula muli, isantabi ang pansariling interes, at makiisa sa pagtataguyod sa kaunlaran ng ating bayan,” he added.

(This is a new chapter, set aside personal interests, and unite in promoting the development of our nation.)

Under Memorandum Order No. 36, the NAC is authorized to issue SCPs to amnesty applicants from the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade, Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the Moro National Liberation Front.

“The NAC shall issue SCPs to amnesty applicants who are not under detention and who have manifested their desire to surrender in order to apply for amnesty,” read the order.

Marcos granted amnesty to members of the said groups in November 2023.

Meanwhile, under the order, the SCPs will grant its holder protection from arrest and prosecution for crimes covered by the proclamations; authority and/or conformity of prosecutors to motions for suspension filed by SCP holders in any proceeding for crimes covered by the subject proclamations; and the suspension of any reward for the SCP’s capture.

However, the SCP shall not allow its holders to be released from detention pursuant a valid warrant of arrest. It shall also not entitle its holders to possess loose firearms and/or ammunition.

Further, the SCP will not automatically grant amnesty to its holders.

The NAC may issue a provisional SCP (PSCP) prior to the issuance of the SCP, which will grant the amnesty applicants the same rights and limitations.

The PSCP will only be valid for a non-extendible period of 15 days from the date of issuance.

Recognized by authorities

Marcos also called on the NAC, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, and police officers to ensure that the SCPs are recognized by authorities.

“Magsilbi sana tayong tulay sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan at pagpapalakas ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng paghikayat at pag-alalay sa dating mga rebeldeng nagnanais maging produktibong bahagi ng ating lipunan,” he said.

(May we serve as a bridge toward achieving peace and strengthening the nation by encouraging and supporting former rebels who wish to become productive members of our society.)

“Ating itinataguyod ang isang Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang bawat mamamayan ay namumuhay nang walang takot at may dangal,” he added.

(We must establish a new Philippines where every citizen lives without fear and with dignity.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News