President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued four new proclamations providing amnesty for members of groups involved in rebellion and insurrection.
Earlier this month, the President signed proclamations to provide amnesty for the following groups: Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)-proclamation 1090; Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)- proclamation 1091; Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayo Brigade-proclamation 1092; and Communist Terror Group-proclamation 1093.
He said the amnesty for the members of the said groups aims to provide a “path for their peaceful, democratic, and pluralistic society.”
It will cover those who committed crimes such rebellion, disloyalty, sedition, assault, illegal possession of firearms among others in pursuit of their political beliefs.
The amnesty could not be granted to those who are already charged under the Human Security Act of 2007 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 as well as those who availed of previous amnesty proclamations.
It will also not be applicable to those who committed kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, and other crimes committed against chastity defined under the Revised Penal Code; crimes committed in personal ends; violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Act and Geneva Convention of 1949; and those identified by the United Nations as crimes which could not be amnestied such genocide and crimes against humanity.
Those who will avail of the amnesty must avail in writing and under oath admit guilt of offense and turn over weapons and explosives.
It will be processed by the newly created Amnesty Commission.
“The application for the grant of amnesty shall be filed under oath with the Amnesty Commission within one year from the effectivity of the Proclamation,” Duterte said in four proclamations.
Proclamations 1090, 1091, 1092, and 1093 will take effect upon concurrence by majority of the members of Congress.