No Blanket Amnesty for

Former Rebels

Marcos administration is not giving blanket amnesty to

former rebels, said by presidential peace adviser Carlito
Galvez Jr. in a presidential hearing.

In the presidential hearing on the amnesty proclamation

issued by President Marcos, Carlito Galvez Jr. said that
former rebels who has amnesty offered by the
administration, would still have to face liabilities for the
crimes they committed against civilians.

Galvez added that the amnesty proclamations does not

give blanket amnesty for the former rebels. Blanket
amnesty, means amnesty will be granted regardless of the
crimes they have committed. But, that will not be the case
as the amnesty proclamation defines specific crimes that
will be covered. Rebels should also show remorse and
accept their crimes so that we would be sure that they
have completely reflected and turned away from their
past.

Amnesty removes criminal liability and restores all civil

and political rights that had been lost during criminal
conviction. But the injuries and damages caused will not
be removed. Galvez explained.

That is why the National Amnesty Commission is crucial

for the government’s peace building efforts.

“The NAC shall ensure the expeditious but cautious

processing of amnesty applications of these former rebels.
This is a delicate balancing act, as the commission will
have to ensure the state’s obligation under international
law to protect and promote human rights on one hand and
the government’s commitment to peace, reconciliation
and unity on the other.” he added.

Galvez noted that concurrent Resolutions No. 19, 20 and

22, which concur with Presidential Proclamation Nos.
403, 404, 405 and 406 in providing amnesty to members
of the revolution proletarian army-Alex Boncayao
Brigade (RPMP/RPA/ABB), Communist Party of the
Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic
Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are
a testament of the House of Representatives’ full support
for the administration’s peace, reconciliation and unity
agenda.

We would like to add that these former rebels have made

the right decision in changing their lives and going back
to a lawful place whereas they'll stop in committing
crimes. We would like to show them that good things will
appear to those who will walk down the path of peace.