ZAMBOANGA CITY: The former rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) hailed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for granting amnesty to its members, saying “this bold move showcases his commitment towards unity, peace and reconciliation.”

MNLF vice chairman Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari, the son of MNLF founder Nur Misuari, lauded Marcos for issuing Proclamation 406 on November 22 that extended the amnesty to former Muslim fighters.

“President Marcos Jr. has displayed his genuine desire to heal the wounds of the past and foster brotherhood. This proclamation serves as a significant step towards national unity, and promotes a peaceful and a more inclusive nation,” Misuari said, branding the amnesty proclamation as “crucial and inspiring.”

“Furthermore, by choosing amnesty, the President showcases his sincerity and foresight, recognizing that dialogue and negotiation are keys to resolving conflicts with those who once stood against the government. This decision not only supports the reintegration of MNLF members into society but also allows them to contribute to nation-building,” said Misuari, who is also the deputy speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Marcos granted amnesty not only to the MNLF, but to former separatist fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the communist rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) who committed offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and special penal laws, among others, in furtherance of their political beliefs.

The President cited that granting amnesty to MNLF members will create a climate conducive for peace and reconciliation, pave the way for them to reintegrate into the society, and provide them access to government’s socioeconomic services.

“The grant of amnesty in favor of the foregoing group and individuals will promote an atmosphere conducive to the attainment of a just, comprehensive, and enduring equanimity and is in line with the government’s call for peace, unity, and reconciliation to bring closure to past enmity, rancor and bitterness that has stymied lasting amity among the Filipino people,” Marcos said.

The proclamation amnesty is not granted to those who have already been proscribed or those charged under Republic Act (RA) 9372, or the “Human Security Act of 2007,” and RA 11479, or the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.” It does not also cover kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity as defined in the RPC, as amended, crimes committed for personal ends, violation of RA 9165, or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

Grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, and those identified by the United Nations as crimes that can never be the subject of amnesty such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights are also not covered.

MILF chairman Ahod Ebrahim also praised Marcos for granting amnesty to former Muslim separatists.

Ebrahim, who is also the chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the amnesty grant will allow qualified former MILF combatants to get a new lease in life and seize the opportunity for healing and reconciliation.

“The issuance of Proclamation 405 sends a strong signal of commitment on the part of the GPH (Government of the Philippines) to sustain the gains of the peace process with the MILF. We thank His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and his administration for relentlessly pursuing its peace, reconciliation and unity policy,” Ebrahim said.