Some 175 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island applied for amnesty before the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)-Bacolod as of yesterday.

A list provided by the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) showed the 79th Infantry Battalion assisted 52 applicants; the 62nd Infantry Battalion, 30; and the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB), 93.

In a statement, Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, commander of 303IBde, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is committed to assisting the NAC and other concerned local and national agencies in the effective implementation of the government’s amnesty program.

“The AFP’s role in providing essential security, intelligence and logistical support emphasizes its strong willingness to collaborate closely with the LAB in all peace process-related initiatives,” he added.

The LAB-Bacolod is processing amnesty applications until July 12 at Bacolod City College.

Colonel Victor Llapitan, deputy commander of 303IBde and a member of LAB-Bacolod, welcomed the trust and support of the applicants to the program.

“It is our hope that through the government’s amnesty program, all former rebels in Negros will be granted amnesty for their smooth reintegration into mainstream society. Those granted amnesty would regain their political and civil rights,” he said.

Under Proclamation No. 404, the amnesty program application for the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) is effective for two years, starting March 13, 2024.

“The communist-terrorist group is close to collapsing. I suggest that the remaining active members of CPP-NPA-NDF give up the armed struggle and apply for the amnesty program,” Lt. Colonel Ziegfred Tayaban, commanding officer of 94IB, said in a statement. (PNA)