Robin, Zubiri seek inquiry into status of amnesty for rebel returnees

Senators Robinhood Padilla and Juan Miguel Zubiri have filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the status of the amnesty proclamations by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

"Individuals awaiting the approval of their applications continue to face uncertainty as they transition to mainstream society, having to apply for provisional safe conduct passes and living with constant fear of harassment, intimidation and threat of arrest," Senate Resolution No. 1258 read.

Marcos issued four proclamations in November last year granting amnesty to rebels including former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.

The amnesty was granted "to encourage them (rebels) to return to the folds of law.”

The Senate resolution aims to look into the causes of delay in the granting of amnesty.

"With tens of thousands of applications expected to go through the National Amnesty Commission, it is imperative to look into the possible causes of delay in the process, with the end in view of providing for possible solutions to aid in expediting the amnesty application process, in adherence to the Annex on Normalization under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro," the resolution further read.

But the amnesty under the new proclamations does not cover the offenses of kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity, and illegal drugs.

Other exceptions are grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights.

Along with the proclamations, Marcos, also issued Executive Order No. 47 amending the EO No. 125, series of 2021, which created the National Amnesty Commission (NAC).

Marcos said the new EO will update the functions of the NAC to cover the processing of the applications for amnesty of the four rebel groups. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News