At least 18 former communist rebels who have surrendered to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) have been granted amnesty by the government.

The move is part of the program of the military, police, and the National Amnesty Board to reintegrate former New People’s Army (NPA) combatants into the society.

These former insurgents have been cleared of their charges through the issuance of safe conduct passes and official amnesty documents.

“Ito yung partial commitment ng government na bininigay sa inyo at sana ay ipagpatuloy natin ang pamumuhay ng tahimik at pag contribute sa progress ng ating bayan,” National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Commissioner Jamar Kulayan said.

Regional Prosecutor Merlyn Uy Merlyn Uy said the safe conduct pass issued will provide protection from arrest and prosecution from crimes covered by the amnesty proclamations.

Uy said since the opening of the amnesty program, they have received around 200 applications, 150 of which came from the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“150 of which came from CPP-NPA NDF which was endorsed by AFP brigades and battalions of 4ID. The remaining 50 applications or 25% came from the MILF,” Uy said.

“Kung naa pa mo contact sa mga kaigsuonan nga naa siyay deadline pag-abot sa deadline next year pag di ka naka-apply wala na kinahanglan ilang e-avail,” 4ID Commander, Major General Michelle Anayron, added.

Rebel returnees have expressed their gratitude toward the government.

“Naa pa mi sa sulod dili gyud mo surrender kay basin ma priso basin patyon mao karon di nako masabot akong gibati,” former rebel, alias “Mary Grace,” said.