In the newly convened 20th Congress, we are immediately confronted with two sharply contrasting legislative proposals. One seeks to disarm the State at the height of our gains against communist armed insurgency, and another seeks to fortify our democratic processes against infiltration.

On one hand, the Makabayan bloc is pushing to repeal the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 through House Bill 1272. They claim it is being weaponized against activists, journalists, and dissenters. On the other, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has filed a bill to amend the Partylist System Act to disqualify groups linked to violence and designated terrorist organizations from entering Congress.

But it is no coincidence that these two developments intersect. They expose a long-standing tension in our democracy in carefully straddling between genuine activism and armed insurgency, between representation and radicalization, between reform and subversion.

The Makabayan bloc wants the public to believe that the Anti-Terrorism Law undermines democracy. But what they fail to mention is that no one has been convicted under this law for merely protesting or speaking out. What the law actually does is equip the State with tools to respond to evolving terrorist threats—tools that come with built-in safeguards, court oversight, and constitutional compliance, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.

This law is not about silencing dissent. It’s about preventing bombings, assassinations, and the systematic recruitment of children and youth into armed violence. It is about protecting Lumad students from being turned into foot soldiers, and communities from being exploited as logistical corridors, and the country’s economic programs from being hijacked under the guise of “revolutionary taxation.”

Meanwhile, Sen. dela Rosa’s proposal reminds us why this debate matters. The partylist system was created to give voice to the voiceless. It was not enacted to give cover to those who refuse to denounce the atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDF, or worse, quietly enable it. This is not theoretical. Long before the NTF-ELCAC was even created, former rebels had already testified how the so-called national democratic partylist organizations in Congress served as political shields for armed insurgency, giving the revolution a legal face while their comrades waged war in the mountains.

The NTF-ELCAC welcomes reforms that protect the integrity of our democratic institutions. But the truth is that democracy cannot defend itself when its legal pathways are commandeered by those who reject peaceful change in favor of armed revolution.

The Makabayan bloc and their allied organizations say the Anti-Terror Law instills fear. But what instills more fear, especially in communities who have become victims of the communist armed conflict, is a Congress that seems to be oblivious on the distinction between sectoral advocacy and subversive machinery.

The NTF-ELCAC stands by its mandate, which includes protecting our civic spaces and exposing those who abuse it. There is nothing democratic about tolerating duplicity in the name of representation. There is nothing oppressive about drawing the line between engagement and exploitation.

We have been here before. We know the cost of silence. Let us make sure we do not repeat the same mistake of allowing subversion to hide behind democratic protections until it is too late.

(Undersecretary Ernesto C Torres Jr., Executive Director NTF ELCAC/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Tacloban City convened its first case conference on Tuesday, July 9, to review the amnesty applications of 10 former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, marking a significant milestone in the city’s localized peace and reconciliation efforts.

The case conference, held at Tacloban City Hall in Kanhuraw Hill, was facilitated under the guidance of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) and in accordance with Proclamation No. 404, which grants amnesty to qualified individuals who have renounced armed struggle and seek to rejoin mainstream society.

Presiding over the session was LAB Chair and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, joined by key board members including Police Brigade General Jay Cumigad, Major John Paner, Regional Prosecutor Irwin Maraya, Atty. Sharilee Angela Mauro, and Atty. Ivy Ann Carba.
According to the National Amnesty Commission, this initial case conference reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive peace-building by providing former rebels with a legal, dignified, and transparent path toward reintegration.

“Every story of transformation is a step toward national healing. The amnesty process offers a second chance—not just for individuals, but for communities and the country as a whole,” the NAC said in a statement.

Each of the 10 applicants was given an opportunity to present their personal narrative, detailing their previous involvement with insurgent groups, the circumstances that led to their surrender, and their current efforts to reintegrate into society.

The LAB assessed each application with due diligence, considering both the sincerity of admission and the eligibility criteria under the amnesty proclamation.

Under Proclamation No. 404, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., amnesty may be granted to members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) who voluntarily surrender and publicly renounce violence, provided they meet the requirements laid out by the Commission.

Once granted, amnesty allows for the expungement of criminal records related to rebellion or political offenses, the restoration of civil and political rights, and access to government support programs, including livelihood and housing assistance.

Mayor Romualdez emphasized the broader impact of the program on local peace-building.
“This is more than a legal process—it’s a chance to rebuild lives, reunite families, and strengthen communities,” he said. “By embracing peace, we give these individuals the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.”

The National Amnesty Commission lauded Tacloban’s proactive stance, noting that the city is among the first in Eastern Visayas to initiate formal case conferences under the new amnesty framework.

As the country continues to implement localized peace strategies, the NAC expressed optimism that more local government units will follow suit, enabling former insurgents to transition from conflict to citizenship in a structured and lawful manner.

“Healing takes time, but it starts with listening and believing in second chances. Through the amnesty process, we are not only closing chapters of conflict—we are opening new chapters of peace,” the NAC added.

The applications from Tuesday’s session are now under evaluation and will be forwarded for further review and resolution by the NAC central office.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY- A sitting member of the Sangguniang Barangay (SB) in Maripipi, Biliran was arrested by local police on Tuesday morning, July 8, following the issuance of a warrant of arrest for frustrated homicide.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Naldo”, 43, married, and a barangay kagawad of Brgy. Danao, was apprehended around 8:21 a.m. in the same barangay by personnel of the Maripipi Municipal Police Station.

The arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued on June 30, 2025 by Judge Luz Petilla Navarrete, presiding judge of Branch 16, Regional Trial Court of the Eighth Judicial Region based in Naval, Biliran.

The court recommended P24,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

Authorities ensured the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he fully understood. He was later brought to the Maripipi Municipal Police Station for booking and documentation, then turned over to the issuing court before being committed to the Biliran Sub-Provincial Jail in Naval.

As of this writing, no official statement has been released by the barangay council regarding the incident.

(ROBERT DEJON)