Government Ensures Security Protection through Issuance of Safe Conduct Pass for Amnesty Applicants
COTABATO CITY (June 12, 2025) — The ceremonial issuance of Safe Conduct Passes for amnesty applicants, particularly members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, took place on Wednesday at the 2nd floor of the CNX-II Building, Notre Dame Village, Barangay RH8, Cotabato City.
This initiative is part of the peace process outlined in the Government of the Philippines-MILF Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). If these applicants apply for amnesty and are approved, they will no longer face arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment by the National Government for their past actions.
The amnesty for the MILF is established in Proclamation No. 1090, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, and extended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. through Proclamation No. 405. This includes the authority of the National Amnesty Commission to process amnesty applications for members of the MILF and other rebel groups.
Baileng Simpal Utto Mantawil, a member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, reported that up to 25 applicants were successfully granted the Safe Conduct Pass by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), which included five from the MILF, six female former rebels, nineteen male former rebels, and eighteen from the CCP-NPA-NDF.
Among the recipients were Member of Parliament Akmad “Commander Jack” Abas and Deputy Chief Minister Hon. Ali Bangcola Solaiman, as noted by MP Mantawil.
“Let this pass be your shield, not just in the legal sense, but as a testament that the Bangsamoro Government stands with you,” said Chief Minister and BIAF Chief of Staff Abdulraof ‘Sammy Al-Mansour’ A. Macacua.
“Wala nang dahilan para matakot. Protektado na kayo,” (There is no reason to be afraid anymore. You are protected), stated Atty. Marvin Mokamad, a member of the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) – Cotabato City and Director of Interior Affairs Services of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG-BARMM).
The program was led by National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Chairperson Atty. Leah C. Tanodra-Armamento, along with NAC Commissioners Atty. Jamar M. Kulayan, Atty. Mohammad Jamalul J. Giducos, and Atty. Ser-me L. Ayuyao, and key figures from the MILF-BIAF Eastern Mindanao Front, including Member of Parliament Abas and MILF Central Committee 2nd Vice Chair and Deputy Chief Minister Solaiman.
Amnesty is an official pardon from the government for individuals or groups who have committed crimes, such as rebellion against the National Government. This means that the government absolves them of responsibility for the offenses committed prior to their participation in the peace process. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
