BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Up to 219 former New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas on Negros Island have applied for amnesty.
With the figure, the local amnesty board in Bacolod recorded the highest number of amnesty applicants among LABs in the country as of yesterday.
The number of amnesty applicants highlighted the commitment of communities to peace and reconciliation as well as reintegration of former rebels into society, according to Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, chief of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB).
Of the applicants, 176 were assisted by the 303IB and 34 by the 302IB during the filing of documents from July 8 to 12.
Two weeks ago, nine former rebels also applied for amnesty in northern Negros with the help of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion.
Edralin said the increase in the number of amnesty applicants is proof that the government’s outreach programs and efforts in promoting dialogues and understanding are effective.