Photo courtesy of 3ID.
More than 900 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front and the breakaway Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade have applied for amnesty in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental, the military reported Thursday.
Capt. Jessie Jun Ebalan, head of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, said most applications were processed through the Local Amnesty Board in Bacolod.
Of the 598 applicants in Bacolod, 294 were former CPP-NPA-NDF members, he said.
LAB Iloilo received applications from 281 former CPP-NPA-NDF members and 38 former RPA-ABB members.
Ebalan described the number of applicants as a significant achievement, reflecting surrenders and willingness to pursue amnesty.
He noted that some former rebels did not apply because they had moved outside Panay or found employment elsewhere.
Applicants are already receiving support under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which helps former rebels reintegrate into their communities.
Ebalan added that the documents of amnesty applicants will be forwarded to the National Amnesty Commission while safe conduct passes remain valid during the application process.
