By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Malacañang is studying a proposal to extend the country’s amnesty program for former rebels until March 16, 2028, following a significant increase in applications that has already exceeded initial projections and raised concerns about missed beneficiaries under the current deadline.
Officials from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict said the program has proven effective in encouraging former fighters to return to mainstream society, prompting calls for additional time to accommodate remaining applicants.
Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said discussions are underway for a possible two-year extension as more individuals continue to come forward.
According to the National Amnesty Commission, applications stood at 4,269 as of September 2025, but this figure rose sharply to 16,003 by mid-March 2026, far beyond the original estimate of 10,000 applicants.
The bulk of applicants came from former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and affiliated groups, while others came from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, and the RPM-P/RPA/ABB (Kapatiran).
Peace authorities estimate the pool of potential beneficiaries may be much larger, with up to 50,000 possible applicants from communist-linked groups and around 40,000 former MILF and MNLF members identified by OPAPRU.
National Amnesty Commission Chair Leah Tanodra-Armamento expressed concern that the current March 2026 deadline may exclude qualified individuals still deciding to apply.
The amnesty program was created through presidential proclamations issued in November 2023 and later approved by Congress in 2024, covering several armed groups involved in long-running conflicts.
Officials clarified that individuals involved in grave crimes such as murder, kidnapping, rape, terrorism, drug trafficking, and internationally recognized atrocities are not eligible for amnesty.
Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. said the high number of applicants reflects growing trust in the government’s peace initiatives, while NAC officials called the program a major achievement in the peace process.
Any extension, however, would require a new presidential issuance and legislative approval, which is now being evaluated by concerned offices.
Authorities also reiterated that participation in the program is voluntary, with applicants choosing to surrender and formally account for their past activities under legal procedures.
ia./xf
