20 September 2024 (Lamitan City, Basilan) – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Basilan actively participated in the 2nd Basilan Peace Forum: Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) Peace and Security Coordination Meeting. The forum was organized by the 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade, 1ID, PA, and supported by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).

During the event, the LAB Secretariat presented significant updates on the government’s amnesty program, particularly on the number and status of submitted applications. A detailed discussion was held on Amnesty Proclamation No. 405, which grants amnesty to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs. The Secretariat also provided an informative walk-through of the step-by-step application process for the amnesty program and distributed informational materials translated into the Yakan language.

Honorable Malik Caril, Deputy Director of the Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office (PSRO) and a key figure in the Western Mindanao Front of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), expressed his commendation for the government’s ongoing amnesty program. He emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the amnesty application process within MILF communities, urging leaders to actively disseminate information on its benefits.

The forum was also attended by key stakeholders including Dr. Haroro Ingram, USIP Country Director; Aliah Adam, Director of the Strategic Communication and Capacity Building (SCCB) Project; Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade; Colonel Frederick Sales, Deputy Brigade Commander and LAB member representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); Police Colonel Cerrazid Umabong, Acting Provincial Director of the Basilan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and alternate LAB member representing the Philippine National Police (PNP); and MILF leaders throughout the province.

The coordination meeting served as a vital platform for peacebuilding efforts in Basilan, with peace leaders and partners reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the success of the GPH-MILF peace process and the government’s amnesty program.

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