TACLOBAN CITY — About 52 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, were issued safe conduct passes during a ceremony held on Wednesday, December 17, in this city.
Col. Rico Amaro, deputy commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the passes allow the former rebels—who are undergoing reintegration—to move freely without the risk of arrest while their applications for amnesty are being processed.
“These individuals have pending amnesty applications, and once approved, their criminal cases may be dismissed,” Amaro said in an interview.
He stressed the importance of the document, noting that it provides temporary legal protection. “This safe conduct pass is very important because it assures them that they will not be arrested despite their pending criminal cases,” Amaro said.
The safe conduct passes will remain valid until the National Amnesty Commission, through the local amnesty board, either grants or denies the applications.
Amaro clarified that if an application is denied, the corresponding safe conduct pass will automatically be revoked.
One of the recipients, identified only as alias “Donna,” 34, said the pass would allow her to reunite with her family, particularly her two children who are currently under the care of her widowed mother.
“This safe conduct pass will allow me to visit my two children,” she said.
Donna is currently under the custody of the 93rd Infantry Brigade, which operates under the 802nd Infantry Brigade. She voluntarily surrendered in 2023 after spending nine years with the communist armed group. She faces charges that include violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act and frustrated murder.
“I am happy that after nine years with the communist group, I can now visit my mother and my two children, aged 15 and 10, without worrying that I will be arrested,” she said.
Donna cited the hardships of armed struggle and her desire to live a normal life with her children as the reasons for leaving the movement. She added that once her amnesty application is approved, she hopes to work abroad to provide better opportunities for her family.
She also shared that she has attempted to persuade her husband, who remains active in the armed group in Samar, to surrender, but without success. “He could not leave because he is already deeply involved with the armed group,” she said.
Donna disclosed that her husband was previously arrested in 2002 but managed to escape a few months after his capture.
(JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)
