Marcos signs order granting safe conduct passes to former rebels seeking amnesty

DAVAO CITY (April 12) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Memorandum Order No. 36, authorizing the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to qualified former rebels applying for amnesty.

The ceremonial signing occurred at Camp Brigadier General Gonzalo H. Siongco, headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.​

The SCPs provide temporary protection from arrest, detention, or prosecution for individuals seeking amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406. These proclamations cover members of various groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), and the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).​

Marcos emphasized that the SCPs are not only legal safeguards but also symbolic gestures inviting former rebels to return to the fold of the law and contribute to nation-building. He stated, “These safe conduct passes will not only protect amnesty applicants against arrest, detention, and prosecution. More importantly, they invite all rebels to end the armed struggle.”​

The NAC reported receiving 2,517 amnesty applications: 1,615 from the CPP-NPA-NDF, 539 from the MILF, 298 from the MNLF, and 65 from the RPA-ABB.

The President called on relevant agencies, including the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to support the administration’s peace and reconciliation efforts. He urged them to recognize and honor the SCPs as part of the broader initiative to promote national unity and lasting peace.​

Following the signing, President Marcos engaged in a “Talk to the Troops” session at the 6th Infantry Division gym, commending soldiers for their role in promoting peace and security. The event concluded with a traditional “boodle fight,” symbolizing camaraderie and unity among the President and Joint Task Force Central members.