DOJ supports amnesty for rebel groups

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday expressed support for the granting of amnesty to several rebel groups, including the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

“We affirm our commitment to the rule of law and understand the necessity of these measures in fostering peace and national reconciliation,” the DOJ said in a statement.

According to the agency, it is prepared to work with the National Amnesty Commission in processing applications for amnesty.

Last week, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced 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)
• CPP-NPA-NDF
• Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
• Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)

The DOJ, however, reiterated that the proclamations do not extend to heinous crimes such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, and other violations of human rights.

“The DOJ will continue to enforce the law and ensure justice for the victims of these heinous crimes,” it said.

According to the DOJ, granting amnesty to rebels “will usher in a new era of peace and reconciliation in the Philippines.”

On Tuesday, the Philippine government and the NDFP agreed to resume the stalled peace negotiations after their representatives signed a joint statement for “a principled and peaceful resolution to the armed conflict.”  —Joahna Lei Casilao/KBK, GMA Integrated News