STATEMENT OF MINISTER MOHAGHER M. IQBAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE MILF PEACE IMPLEMENTING PANEL ON THE ISSUANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION NO. 405 GRANTING AMNESTY TO THE MILF MEMBERS

STATEMENT OF MINISTER MOHAGHER M. IQBAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE MILF PEACE IMPLEMENTING PANEL ON THE ISSUANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION NO. 405 GRANTING AMNESTY TO THE MILF MEMBERS

(November 25, 2023)

The MILF Peace Panel highly welcomes the recent issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 405 granting Amnesty to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front who have committed crimes in furtherance of their political beliefs to advance freedom and self-determination for the Bangsamoro people. The grant of Amnesty is an essential requisite to allow thousands of mujahideen, decommissioned combatants, members and supporters of the MILF to once again live peaceful and normal lives, free from any fear of possible arrest and detention. It will also pave the way for the immediate release of numerous detained MILF members who are still languishing in jails waiting for the promised amnesty and pardon under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

I sincerely thank and commend President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for extending the hand of healing and reconciliation not only to MILF but also the members of the Moro National Liberation Front and other revolutionary organizations. This gesture demonstrates political inclusivity and strong leadership to bring final closure to past enmities, rancor, and bitterness that hindered lasting amity and unity among the Filipino people. The grant of amnesty clearly signals that the national government is committed to protect and sustain the gains of the peace process and deliver the remaining commitments of the parties under the normalization aspect of the peace agreement.

I note with great interest the provision granting a two-year application period for the processing of amnesty which underscores the President’s foresight and insightful approach, recognizing the complexity of the amnesty process.

I urge the National Amnesty Commission to fast-track the grant of pardon and amnesty to those who are currently detained and to aging and ailing MILF members, with outstanding warrants of arrest, that hampered even the basic necessity of seeking medical treatment.

Finally, on behalf of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for his visionary leadership in advancing the peace process and remaining steadfast in the full implementation of the peace agreement. The grant of amnesty is a monumental step that contributes significantly to the realization of a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace not only in the Bangsamoro but all over the country.