Marcos wants to carry out amnesty for communist rebels at once, says Año

NPA rebels (File photo)

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the speedy enforcement of the amnesty program for the communist rebels.

According to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Marcos gave the directive after the 5th Execom Meeting of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“The President has directed the immediate implementation of the Amnesty Program for the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front) since Congress has already concurred with the proclamation,” said Año in a Palace briefing.

“The President has also reiterated his directive made last year for government agencies to activate their respective Project Development Officers for the implementation of NTF-ELCAC projects in their respective agencies,” he added.

Marcos also gave instructions to put more support for NTF-Elcac programs in the barangay level.

“The President also directed the NTF ELCAC to propose specific programs and projects for continuous implementation of projects for the 5,430 barangays that have been part of the BDP (barangay development plan) program since its inception,” noted Año.