(Contributed photo/file)
MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the implementation of an Amnesty Program for remaining members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) following Congressional approval, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.
Año revealed Marcos' order during a Palace briefing after the 5th National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Committee meeting chaired by the President.
The President reiterated his directive from last year for government agencies to activate Project Development Officers to implement NTF-ELCAC projects, Año said.
He highlighted the Barangay Development Program (BDP), which has allocated P30.4 billion (US$530 million) to over 4,500 barangays (villages) cleared of NPA influence since its inception. However, concerns were raised over the 2024 budget allocation of only P2.6 billion (US$4.3 million), translating to P2.5 million (US$43,601.88) per barangay.
"We have to do more. We have to do better than that. We will try to reach P10 million (US$590,148.50) per barangay," Año said, relaying the President's directive to increase financial support to the 846 BDP barangays for 2024.
The Department of Budget and Management was also tasked with allowing these barangays access to the Financial Assistance to Local Government Units for immediate funding of infrastructure projects.
"The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Budget and Management will crunch the numbers and work out the immediate implementation of the President's directive," Año added.
He said the Cabinet must review the 2024-2028 NTF-ELCAC Roadmap, with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity and the Department of National Defense asked to provide inputs on the transformation program for combatants, their families, and barangays.
He also outlined a two-track strategy under the Marcos administration:
"Track 1 addresses the primary issues and root causes of the communist armed conflict; emerges strong and dynamic communities, and institutionalizes peace and development initiatives," he said.
"Track 2 ensures that former rebels are fully mainstreamed to contribute to nation-building, communities are empowered to resolve issues through a consultative decision-making process, and all sectors are united to resist threats of terrorism," he added.
Año earlier called on former rebel group members to avail of the government's amnesty program, which has already started accepting applications.
Currently, he said there are 1,500 candidates for the amnesty program.
The Senate unanimously approved amnesty for former CPP-NPA-NDF members in March through HCR 20. The same month, it also approved amnesty for former members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB, MILF, and MNLF through three House concurrent resolutions. (PIA-NCR)
