Former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) seeking lasting peace are encouraged to apply for the government’s amnesty program.

At the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on Wednesday, March 19, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Western Visayas (RTF ELCAC-6) revealed that 216 individuals from the region have applied for amnesty.

This includes 207 former CPP-NPA-NDF members and nine from the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).

Of the total applications, 199 are already awaiting resolution.

“Applicants must have no hidden agenda when applying for amnesty. We are striving for permanent and lasting peace,” said Colonel Gilbert Gorero, chief of the Operations Division of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6).

RTF ELCAC-6 spokesperson Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales clarified that individuals involved in human trafficking, rape, child abuse, and sexual assault are ineligible for amnesty.

“For other crimes, they must be related to their membership in the NPA. Crimes outside of that will disqualify them from amnesty,” he explained.

Interested individuals can submit their applications to the Local Amnesty Board offices in Iloilo and Bacolod.

The amnesty application process in Western Visayas began on July 8, 2024, with hundreds of former rebels, assisted by the infantry brigades of the 3rd Infantry Division, submitting their documents.

Former rebels have until March 2026 to apply for amnesty under Proclamation 404. (PNA)

Former rebels have until March 2026 to submit their application for the Amnesty Program mandated under Proclamation 404.  (PNA)