02 March 2026 (Cagayan de Oro City) β The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) has officially issued the Certificates of Amnesty to 16 Amnesty grantees in a ceremonial activity in Cagayan de Oro City. Fifteen (15) former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and one (1) Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) member were awarded their respective certificates, marking a significant beginning of each granteesβ reintegration to society.
The activity began with several learning sessions aiming to provide a comprehensive guide to the amnesty grantees as they reclaim their civil, political, and social rights. Dubbed as βBalik Karapatan: Rights Reintegration Program for Amnesty Grantees,β the sessions were facilitated by representatives from different government agencies namely, the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Commission on Elections, Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The issuance ceremony was attended by NAC officials, headed by Chairperson Leah C. Tanodra-Armamento, with Commissioners Jamar M. Kulayan and Ser-me L. Ayuyao. Undersecretary Angelito De Leon from the Department of National Defense and Executive Director Cesar De Mesa of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, representing NACβs member agencies, were also in attendance. Further, partners from other agencies and organizations were present, including the National Security Council-National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and the United Nations Development Programme.
Atty. Nadya Emano-Elipe, Mayor of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental graced the event by delivering a welcome message on behalf of Deputy Speaker Bambi Emano, District Representative of Misamis Oriental.
Chairperson Tanodra-Armamento emphasized in her message that each amnesty grant represents a deeper story way beyond the administrative processes it entails. βThe shift from the life of a rebel to a mainstream member of our community, without fear of being apprehended anytime, being questioned, and walking like a marked man, overcome with fear and anxiety most of the time,β she said.
βTonight, our grantees will walk free from the shadows of doubt and anxiety with friends and families. We thank everyone who was involved in this, those who reached out, and made all possible,β she ended.
The ceremony served as a testament that the certificate of amnesty is more than just a document. It is a fulfillment of the governmentβs unwavering commitment to building a more peaceful nation for all Filipinos.
Ms. Iresh Ramos, a former member of the CPP-NPA-NDF, encouraged other former combatants to take advantage of the amnesty program as she shared her message of gratitude. βDili na gyud mo mahadlok nga mubalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno, kay dili lang ni siya tiaw-tiaw o bakak nga pasalig, kung dili, aktwual na gyud ug materyal nga gituman sa Gobyerno nga giingon nga hatagan ta ug second chance,β (You should no longer be afraid to return to the fold of the government, because this is not a joke or an empty promise. This is an actual and concrete fulfillment by the government of its commitment to give you a second chance.) she mentioned.
Hon. Basit βJannati Mimbantasβ Abbas, Member of Parliament, commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Northeastern Mindanao Front, and first MILF amnesty grantee also expressed his reflections on the amnesty process. βAs an amnesty grantee, this moment signifies not only my personal transformation but also a major milestone in our collective journey toward lasting peace and reconciliation,β he shared during his message of gratitude.
βFor me, this amnesty opens a new chapter in life. It allows me to fully live with my remaining life and live and help my family, friends, relatives and others & to contribute meaningfully to the peace and development of our communities,β he added.
The ceremony was a symbolic turning point for the grantees. A transition from their past conflicts towards a peaceful participation in mainstream society. Their messages highlight the transformative role of the amnesty program in fostering restoration of rights and rebuilding lives.
Commissioner Ayuyao closed the event with a hopeful message on the future of each of the grantees. βTo our grantees, your past does not define your future. You have the opportunity to rebuild and pursue dreams that may have been set aside. There may still be challenges ahead, but you will not face them alone,β he said.
With the event showcasing the completion of 16 amnesty applications, the NAC remains optimistic of additional amnesty grants be awarded to more friends rescued. Further, the NAC reiterates its gratitude to all its partners for making this milestone possible.
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