Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (PAPRU) and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. gives an update to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with key government officials at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on on April 11, 2022. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Amnesty is an integral part of the peace process, according to Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez on Tuesday.
Galvez appealed to the House of Representatives to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s proclamation granting amnesty to former insurgents.
“The granting of amnesty is an integral part of the comprehensive peace process. It is a path towards normalization that would allow these former rebels not only to fully reintegrate themselves into mainstream society as peaceful, productive and law-abiding citizens, but more importantly, enable them to rebuild their lives and ensure a better future for themselves and their families,” Galvez said at the House Committee on Justice and the Committee on National Defense and Security.
While Galvez was not referring to a specific incident or issue, this statement came as Vice President Sara Duterte criticized Marcos‘ proclamation.
Duterte called peace talk deals with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines as “an agreement with the devil.”
“We want to demonstrate to these former rebels that they have made the right decision in laying down their arms and returning to the folds of the law. We want to show them that good things come to those who choose to walk the path of peace,” said Galvez.