Over 600 Former Rebels in Davao Region Granted Amnesty Under Marcos Proclamation
In a significant development for peace and reconciliation in the Philippines, a total of 623 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Davao Region have successfully filed for amnesty under Proclamation No. 404, series of 2023. The acceptance of amnesty applications officially concluded on March 13, 2026, as confirmed by officials on Monday.
Milestone Achievement for Regional Security
Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security XI (CORDS XI), announced this milestone in a statement, highlighting that all 623 individuals were assisted throughout the filing and processing of their applications during the program's implementation period. Magno, who also chairs the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC XI), described this achievement as a crucial step forward for Davao Region.
"This represents a significant milestone for Davao Region in relation to the national government's ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation, strengthen national unity, secure a just and lasting peace across the country, and reinforce the conditions for inclusive growth and stability," Magno stated.
Collaborative Efforts Drive Success
The successful execution of the amnesty program in Davao Region was attributed to the decisive leadership of key institutions, including the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity – Local Conflict Transformation Field Implementation Support Unit (OPAPRU LCT-FISU Mindanao) and the National Amnesty Commission's Local Amnesty Board – Davao. Magno emphasized the strong partnership with various agencies:
- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
- Philippine National Police (PNP)
- Provincial and Local Government Units (PLGUs)
- Member-agencies under the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) Enhanced Amnesty Program (EAP) Cluster
These organizations worked together to ensure that eligible applicants were properly informed, guided, and assisted throughout the amnesty process. Additionally, Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao, Inc. was recognized as a key peace partner in the program's implementation.
Ceremonial Closure in Davao del Norte
On Friday, a ceremonial event marked the closing of the amnesty application process for former CPP-NPA-NDF members in Davao del Norte Province. The Provincial Local Government of Davao del Norte, the AFP's 1003rd Infantry "Raptor" Brigade, OPAPRU LCT-FISU Mindanao, and Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao, Inc. participated in a formal turnover of the last batch of 82 amnesty applicants.
In Davao del Norte alone, 134 former rebels applied for amnesty under Proclamation No. 404. Notably, a majority of these applicants are members of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities from the Municipality of Talaingod, an area long affected by armed conflict and insurgency-related activities.
Addressing Historical Challenges for Indigenous Communities
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib commented on the plight of Indigenous Peoples in Talaingod, stating, "For many Indigenous Peoples of Talaingod, decades of insurgency created conditions that exposed vulnerable communities to recruitment, coercion, and exploitation by the CPP-NPA-NDF."
He further explained that the amnesty program acknowledges the historical challenges and material conditions faced by these communities, which made them susceptible to insurgent influence. "Through initiatives like the amnesty program, the Government affirms its commitment to ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are protected, empowered, and fully integrated into the nation's peace and development agenda," Jubahib added.
Praise for Whole-of-Nation Approach
Officials from OPAPRU LCT-FISU Mindanao, the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Kalinaw SEMR, Inc., and the NAC LAB Davao commended the provincial local government of Davao del Norte for its support in successfully completing the amnesty application workshop. This collaboration underscores the effectiveness of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflicts, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can foster peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Proclamation No. 404 series of 2023 grants amnesty to former CPP-NPA-NDF members, formally concluding on March 13, 2026. This initiative reflects the national government's dedication to achieving lasting peace and reconciliation across the Philippines.
