Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman on Monday expressed support to the efforts of President Rodrigo Duterte to attract rebels to rejoin mainstream society through a comprehensive amnesty program for their reintegration into normal civilian life.
Hataman, however, appealed to the Chief Executive to take the peace process a step further and implement a general amnesty program, not limiting the amnesty proclamations to members of some rebel groups but to all those who wish to lay down their arms and surrender.
“I welcome the amnesty proclamations of the President. The opening of the doors of society to the rebels who wish to return to civilian life is key toward lasting peace. We proved that in Basilan. But my question is: Do we include all those who have laid or want to lay down their arms in the amnesty proclamations?”
Hataman added: “Are the Abu Sayyaf and BIFF included? I ask this because there are many ASG and BIFF members who want to return to normal life. Can’t we give them a peaceful option now?”
Hataman, former governor of the now-defunct ARMM, introduced and successfully implemented the Program Against Violent Extremism in Basilan.
Duterte reportedly approved several Presidential Proclamations, which will take effect upon concurrence by Congress, to carry out the objectives of the amnesty program. In fact, an executive order was issued creating the National Amnesty Commission to facilitate and administer the amnesty.
But according to a statement by Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the National Amnesty Commission will cover the applications for amnesty of members of all rebel groups including the MILF, MNLF, CPP-NPA-NDF, Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group or KAPATIRAN.
“If these proclamations get the final concurrence of Congress, it will be a big boost to LGU efforts in reaching out to rebels and encouraging them to reintegrate to society. We proved that in PAVE that peace efforts could not be successful unless the local governments, the community and the government security forces cooperate,” Hataman explained.