COTABATO CITY (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the significance of safe conduct passes (SCP) as a symbol of unity and support for former combatants aiming to reintegrate into society.
Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting former combatants as he signed a memorandum order that allows the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue safe conduct passes for amnesty applicants.
“Ito ay isang paanyaya sa lahat ng rebelde na ihinto ang armadong pakikibaka at makiisa sa kaunlaran ng ating bayan,” the president said during the ceremonial signing on Friday at Camp BGen. Gonzalo H. Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
(This is an invitation to all rebels to cease the armed struggle and participate in the development of our nation.)
Marcos said his administration is ready to help ex-combatants reintegrate into society as part of its peace and reconciliation efforts.
“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.
(Today, I want to make it clear to you: We are here to help. If your change is sincere, the government is ready to listen, assist, and support your reintegration into society.)
The President also directed government agencies, including the NAC, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and various other organizations, to assist in promoting peace in the country by encouraging former rebels to return to the fold of the law.
“Magsilbi sana tayong tulay sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan at pagpapalakas ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng paghikayat at pag-alalay sa dating mga rebeldeng nagnanais maging produktibong bahagi ng ating lipunan. Ating itinataguyod ang isang Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang bawat mamamayan ay namumuhay nang walang takot at may dangal,” he further emphasized.
(May we serve as a bridge to achieve peace and strengthen the nation by encouraging and supporting former rebels who aspire to become productive members of our society. We are promoting a Bagong Pilipinas, in which every citizen can live without fear and with dignity.)
The NAC explained that the SCP is a tool that will enable amnesty applicants to participate in the program without fear of arrest.
The document will ensure their safety and security while they wait for the results of their application, it said. (LTB, PIA Cotabato City)
