52 ex-rebels get safe conduct passes
TACLOBAN CITY—At least 52 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, were issued safe conduct passes by the government during a ceremony held on Wednesday here.
Col. Rico Amaro, deputy commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the passes would allow the former rebels—who are undergoing reintegration—to move freely without the risk of arrest while their applications for amnesty were being processed.
“These individuals have pending amnesty applications, and once approved, their criminal cases may be dismissed,” Amaro told the Inquirer.
The document, he said, provides temporary legal protection.
The safe conduct passes will remain valid until the National Amnesty Commission, either grants or denies the applications.
