President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presents the signed Memorandum Order (MO) 36 authorizing the National Amnesty Commission to issue safe conduct passes for former combatants applying for amnesty, during a ceremony at Camp BGen. Gonzalo H. Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on April 11, 2025. Under MO 36, amnesty applicants are given safe passage and freedom from warrantless arrest and seizure for crimes and offenses covered by amnesty proclamations. (Screengrab from RTVM)
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) expressed strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent signing of Memorandum Order 36, which grants the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) the authority to issue Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to individuals applying for amnesty under Proclamation 404.
In a statement released on Maundy Thursday, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. emphasized that this directive plays a crucial role in the government’s broader strategy to end the long-standing communist insurgency in the Philippines. He described the issuance of SCPs as both a legal safeguard and a symbol of the government’s genuine commitment to peace, unity, and inclusive nation-building.
Proclamation 404 offers amnesty to those who have abandoned their ties to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), renounced violence, and shown dedication to peace-building efforts.
“These individuals were once part of the armed struggle but have since chosen the path of democracy and the rule of law. They have surrendered their weapons and are now working alongside the government to rebuild communities that were once devastated by conflict,” Torres said.
However, Torres pointed out that many former insurgents have faced ongoing legal challenges due to actions they took during their time in the communist movement. He argued that the Safe Conduct Pass is essential for allowing them to move freely and participate fully in the nation’s healing and recovery.
He also noted that the government recognizes the significant role these individuals have played in achieving the peace and stability now seen in many parts of the country. At the same time, Torres urged careful management of the amnesty process to prevent its misuse in undermining peace efforts.
Torres further emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s strategy to dismantle the communist insurgency permanently, reduce recruitment efforts, and shield communities from ideological re-infiltration.
“The NAC, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), is tasked with ensuring that only qualified individuals benefit from this program. A thorough verification process is essential, and the government’s commitment to vigilance remains steadfast,” he added.
