Amnesty panel opens office in Albay

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- The newly established office of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) announced on Friday that it is now prepared to accept amnesty applications from active and former communist insurgents in the Bicol region.

The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Albay said it is ready to assist applicants from the New People’s Army who wish to take advantage of the government’s amnesty offer and begin a new life as peaceful and productive citizens.

LAB Albay Development Officer Philipp Listanco called on NPA rebels in Bicol to end their armed struggles and reintegrate into society.

Listanco emphasized that, if granted, amnesty can restore all civil and political rights that were suspended or lost due to a former rebel’s criminal conviction.

He said that the amnesty would also eliminate all criminal liability for the acts covered under its provisions.

The offenses included in this program comprise rebellion or insurrection, conspiracy to commit rebellion, sedition, illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, or explosives, as well as related crimes of rebellion, among others.

LAB Albay is one of the newly established local boards created to address the low number of applicants for the amnesty program.

As of Friday, the NAC reported that only 2,072 individuals have formally applied for the program. This number includes former members of the Alex Boncayao Brigade, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the Moro National Liberation Front.

The NAC expects to receive applications from a significant portion of the approximately 39,000 to 40,000 former NPA members who are eligible for the amnesty program, which will run until March 13, 2026.

Listanco said that the LAB has begun visiting police and military camps to establish partnerships with personnel who can help disseminate information about the government’s amnesty offers.

Additionally, the LAB is visiting detention facilities to engage with individuals deprived of liberty who were former NPA members, he added.

The LAB consists of representatives from the Department of Justice, the local chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and personnel from the NAC.

The amnesty program provides financial assistance, skills training, livelihood support, and other benefits through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to assist former communist rebels in reintegrating into civilian life.

This offer of amnesty is part of the government’s broader peace-building and reconciliation initiatives.

Authorities have been actively promoting these amnesty and integration programs in the Bicol region, where the NPA has a significant historical presence. (Ana-liza Macatangay contributed to this report/PIA5-Masbate)