President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday signed an order authorizing the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to amnesty applicants.
During the ceremonial signing of the memorandum order in Camp BGen. Gonzalo H. Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, the President ordered concerned government agencies to support the administration’s peace and reconciliation efforts.
The SCP will allow applicants to access the government’s amnesty program without fear of being arrested. The document will ensure their safety and security as they wait for the result of their application.
Issued by the NAC to an applicant not under detention, the SCP guarantees his or her safe passage and freedom from warrantless arrest and seizure for crimes and offenses covered by amnesty proclamations.
“Ang paglagda natin ngayon ng Memorandum Order ay patunay na handa ang inyong pamahalaan na mag-abot ng kamay sa sinumang nagnanais magbalik-loob sa batas [at sa] ating lipunan,” President Marcos said.
“Ngayong araw na ito, nais kong iparating sa inyo: Bukas po ang aming pinto. Kung taos-puso ang inyong pagbabago, handa ang pamahalaan na makinig, umalalay, at sumuporta sa inyong pagbabalik-loob,” he said.
Following the signing, President Marcos said he expects the NAC, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other agencies to help advance the government’s peace initiatives.
The President said the agencies will serve as a bridge to attain peace and to strengthen the country by enticing rebels to return to the fold of the law. He also wants the safe conduct passes recognized.
The NAC said the signing of the “Memorandum Order Authorizing the National Amnesty Commission to Issue Safe Conduct Passes in Favor of Amnesty Applicants” shows the administration’s commitment to advance healing and reconciliation to former rebels.
President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 47 in November 2023, amending Executive Order No. 125, series of 2021, or the Creation of the National Amnesty to cover the processing of the applications for amnesty under Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406. | PND
