The executive committee of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has endorsed a proposal to extend the government’s amnesty program for former rebels by two years, aiming to give more individuals the opportunity to reintegrate into society.
The proposal, which still requires congressional approval, has the backing of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Torres said the extension, proposed by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), would run until 2028 to accommodate a growing number of applicants seeking clemency.
He said much of the program’s initial two years was spent establishing systems and organizing local amnesty boards, resulting in slower processing at the outset.
“Reconciliation is not just possible; it is already happening,” Torres said, noting that applications have increased in recent months.
Government data show that 13,647 individuals have applied for amnesty so far, with 20 approvals granted, 19 linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines and one to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Officials expect more cases to be processed if the extension is approved.
While awaiting formal authorization, NAC Chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento has directed offices to continue accepting applications to ensure qualified applicants are not excluded.
The amnesty initiative complements the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which has assisted more than 50,000 former rebels through financial aid, livelihood support, and reintegration services.
The endorsement was made during the task force’s 9th executive committee meeting on April 22 at Malacañang, attended by 34 of its 38 members. Among those present for the first time were National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Mel Sarmiento.
During the meeting, officials also received security updates from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and reviewed action items from their previous session in November 2025.
The committee also approved several proposals, including funding allocations for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) in 2027. The Department of Budget and Management has committed support for 1,948 barangays under the program.