MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a memorandum order on Friday granting the National Amnesty Commission the authority to issue safe conduct passes (SCPs) to individuals applying for amnesty.
During the ceremonial signing, Marcos emphasized that the SCPs would shield former rebels—who are currently facing arrest warrants for politically motivated cases—from arrest, imprisonment, and prosecution, as long as they are now seeking to support the government’s peace and development efforts.
“Ang mga safe conduct passes na ito ay hindi lang magbibigay ng proteksyon sa mga aplikante ng amnestiya laban sa pagkaaresto, pagkakulong at pag-uusig. Higit sa lahat, ito ay isang paanyaya sa lahat ng rebelde na ihinto ang armadong pakikibaka (These safe conduct passes will not only provide protection to amnesty applicants from arrest, detention, and prosecution. More importantly, they serve as an invitation to all rebels to end the armed struggle),” Marcos said.
He described the order as a step toward turning a new page for the country, urging unity, reconciliation, and national progress.
“Ang paglagda ng memorandum order ay patunay na handa ang inyong pamahalaan na magabot ng kamay sa sino mang nagnanais magbalik loob sa batas ng ating lipunan (The signing of the memorandum order is proof that your government is ready to extend a hand to anyone who wishes to return to the fold of the law),” he added.
Marcos also called on all concerned agencies—including the National Amnesty Commission, the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police—to acknowledge and respect the safe conduct passes.
According to Memorandum Order No. 36, holders of SCPs will enjoy these benefits:
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Immunity from arrest and prosecution for offenses covered under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406b
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Endorsement from prosecutors for motions to suspend court proceedings involving those offenses
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Suspension of any bounty or reward for the SCP holders’ capture
However, the order also outlines the limitations of the SCPs:
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They do not exempt holders from being detained under a valid arrest warrant
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They do not allow possession of unlicensed firearms or ammunition
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They do not automatically grant amnesty
Lastly, the National Amnesty Commission may also add other conditions or restrictions on SCPs as necessary.
