Bangsamoro gov't expresses 'genuine gratitude' for Marcos' amnesty proclamation

The Bangsamoro Government on Saturday expressed its "genuine gratitude" to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s for granting amnesty to the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

"The Bangsamoro Government and the Bangsamoro People express genuine gratitude to the Government of the Philippines for showing unwavering commitment to the Bangsamoro Peace Process and all signed peace agreements with the advancement of these Amnesty Proclamation," said Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, Spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Government Minister.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday said that the following groups have been granted amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405 and 406, respectively:

• 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)

"This development is a significant milestone in the achievement of meaningful and enduring peace in the Bangsamoro, as this will form part of former combatants’ full transformation towards being productive and peace-loving Filipino citizens," said Sinarimbo.

According to the PCO, amnesty is granted to organizations that committed crimes whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws, including but not limited to rebellion or insurrection; conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection; disloyalty of public officers or employees; inciting to rebellion or insurrection; sedition; conspiracy to commit sedition; and inciting to sedition.

The amnesty was granted "to encourage them (rebels) to return to the folds of law," the PCO said.

"We call on our MILF and MNLF brothers and sisters to take this opportunity to gradually prepare for availment of amnesty; while the Bangsamoro Government meanwhile continues to implement meaningful programs and services towards development of Bangsamoro communities and local governments, to prepare localities that are able to provide former combatants with opportunities to lead productive lives in anticipation of the full implementation of the Amnesty Proclamations," Sinarimbo added.

He also said that the Bangsamoro Government is ready to work with the national government on the implementation of Marcos' prcolamations. 

"We in the Bangsamoro Government, are ready and willing to work with the National Government and the National Amnesty Commission for the full implementation of the Amnesty Proclamations." —VAL, GMA Integrated News