Bacolod City – A total of 92 former members of the defunct Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas–Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB), were among those who applied for government amnesty.
The RPM-P-RPA-ABB is now called KAPATIRAN (Kapatiran Para sa Progresong Panlipunan), following entering into a peace agreement with the government in the year 2000.
The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) have assured Kapatiran members in Negros Island Region of the speedy processing of their application for government amnesty.
There are six organized Kapatiran groups in Negros Occidental and one in Negros Oriental.
Veronica Tabara, widow of the slain rebel leader Arturo Tabara, is national chair of Kapatiran and co-chair of the GPH-Kapatiran peace agreement.
The deadline for filing of amnesty applications for KAPATIRAN members is set on March 4, and March 13 for members of the New People’s Army.
As of December 31 last year, the NAC recorded a total of 7,171 applications, reflecting the growing interest in and trust of former combatants in the government’s amnesty program.
Of the applicants nationwide, NAC said it received 5,755 applications from former NPA members, 928 from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and 396 from former members of the Moro National Liberation Front, aside from 92 Kapatiran members.
The Commission urgently called on those who wish to avail themselves of the government’s amnesty program to come forward.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at the nearest Local Amnesty Boards (LABs) nationwide for an opportunity to begin a renewed life and a path toward reintegration into mainstream society, NAC said.
Under Proclamation No. 404, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted amnesty to the former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs, among other offenses. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds photo by tvds)