BuCor, NAC eye partnership to boost amnesty drive
INQUIRER files
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) is partnering with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to improve the efficiency of access to amnesty for jailed political offenders.
In a news release, the NAC said its officials, led by Commissioner Ser-me Ayuyao, had recently met with BuCor officials, led by Assistant Secretary Al Perreras, deputy director general for administration, to discuss initiatives to enhance the efficiency of the amnesty application process.
“As part of NAC’s commitment to expanding access to amnesty, the proposed partnership seeks to streamline application procedures and ensure that persons deprived of liberty who are eligible to apply for amnesty receive the necessary support,” the agency said.
Yorong said that when the memorandum of understanding is finalized, they would launch an information campaign, as well as a stakeholders’ forum, to raise awareness and guide potential applicants in seeking amnesty.
READ: NAC to create more local boards as only 28 formally applied for amnesty
So far, the NAC has received 2,517 applications under Presidential Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406, series of 2023.
Leading the pack are jailed political dissidents of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front with 1,615 applications. This is followed by 539 applications from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The Moro National Liberation Front submitted 298 applications, while the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade submitted 65 applications.
Nearly 300 applications have been resolved by the NAC’s Local Amnesty Boards, and more than 100 are currently under review before endorsement by the commission to the Office of the President for final action.
“By working closely with BuCor, the NAC also aims to expedite the amnesty application process for qualified (persons deprived of liberty),” it added.
The NAC urges the potential amnesty grantees to submit their applications promptly to ensure they meet the upcoming deadline — March 4, 2026, for the MILF, MNLF, and RPM–P/RPA/ABB, and March 13, 2026, for the CPP–NPA–NDF.
The agency encouraged eligible individuals to submit their application through their Local Amnesty Boards “as soon as possible to benefit from the government’s amnesty program.”
The NAC has 20 Local Amnesty Boards in the regions, including in Metro Manila, Pampanga, La Union, Baguio, Isabela, Albay, Quezon, Iloilo, Bacolod, Catbalogan, Tacloban, Pagadian, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Jolo, Basilan, Koronadal, Butuan, and Bohol.
Another board is set to be established in the Mimaropa Region.
