The National Amnesty Commission (NAC), through its Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Cotabato City, received 21 new applications from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Among those who formally filed for amnesty were MILF’s top ground commanders, who are now Members of Parliament (MPs).
The ceremonial submission was witnessed by the chairpersons of the GPH-MILF Peace Implementing Panel, General Cesar Yano (Ret.) and Minister Mohagher Iqbal. Also in attendance were BARMM Senior Minister and MILF Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) Spokesperson Abunawas “Von Alhaq” Maslamama and MP Maryann Arnado.
The grant of amnesty to MILF rebels is part of their agreement with the government under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The growing momentum towards peace is evident, as the number of MILF members applying for amnesty has reached 77 since the commencement of the application period.
As of 04 September 2024, the NAC has received a total of 909 amnesty applications. These applications include a significant number of former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and their front organizations, as well as rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), signaling a notable shift towards unity and reconciliation.
The NAC continues to strengthen its information and education campaign, highlighting the benefits of amnesty in the government’s pursuit of peace and national reconciliation, as well as the amnesty application process.
The NAC emphasized that the deadline for the submission of applications is set for March 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered by the Commission.
