Strict screening of applications proposed: Amnesty for rebels can unite RP -- prosecutor

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The provincial prosecutor here said a serious offer of reconciliation by the government to its political enemies is the best approach to national unity.

Provincial prosecutor Bartolome Gamonnac said extending a reconciliatory hand to the rebels through the grant of amnesty can be an effective tool to win their hearts, thereby allowing them to return to the main stream of society, to work for peace and development, and enjoy peaceful lives.

The grant of amnesty to members of the Communist party of the Philippines New People’s Army – National Democratic Front and other rebel groups is expected because the national reconciliation program is a continuing process, the prosecutor said.

“In any form of reconciliation like the amicable settlement of conflicts among tribes or neighbors, almost all confrontations end with the offer of reconciliation through the traditional practice of peaceful dialogue, in which the victims forgive the offenders in order to preserve good neighborhood and brotherhood,” Gamonnac said.

He said to foster national unity, amnesty should be granted to political offenders who would file their applications under oath with the National Committee on Social Integration and the Provincial or City Peace and Order Council-Amnesty centers within six months starting from the effectivity of the proclamation.

Earlier, President Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1377 granting amnesty to members of CPP-NPA-NDF and other communist groups in the country.

Section 2 of the proclamation provides that the amnesty “shall cover the crime of rebellion and all other crimes included therein, or incident thereto in pursuit of political brief as defined by jurisprudence, whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or Special laws.”

However, Gamonnac suggested that if an amnesty board is formed, a strict screening must be done to avoid cases of fake applicants who are only after the benefits of amnesty.

The rebels should apply directly with the board, he said, adding that the program must be thoroughly explained.

He expects that the amnesty would lessen the strength of the underground movement.

But he wants to see an amnesty through which the victims could also seek damages from government. He said there should also be a corresponding package for payment of victims of political crimes.

He said the focus should be on the substance of the decree and not only counting on amnesty grantees.

The program should not stop after the grant of amnesty, and a development package be provided to rebel returnees in terms of livelihood projects to make them busy and stop them returning to the mountains when they are idle and unproductive, he said.

Prosecutor Gamonnac called on members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to respond positively and come out to avail themselves of the program.

Not covered by the proposed amnesty are crimes against chastity, rape, torture, kidnapping for ransom, use and trafficking of illegal drugs and other crimes for personal ends and violations of international law or convention and protocols, even if alleged to have been committed in pursuit of political beliefs. – Dexter A. See