Cotabato City — June 11, 2025
In a historic step toward lasting peace in Mindanao, members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) officially received their Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) today during a ceremonial event held in Cotabato City. These documents offer legal protection to former combatants who have applied for amnesty, ensuring they are not arrested, detained, or charged while their applications are being processed.
“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, addressing former fighters and officials. “We open a door that many of us have fought for, struggled for, and prayed for over the course of decades.”
Also present at the event were National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Chairperson Atty. Leah C. Tanodra-Armamento, Commissioners Atty. Jamar M. Kulayan, Atty. Mohammad Jamalul J. Giducos, and Atty. Ser-me L. Ayuyao, as well as MILF leaders including Amerudin “Commander Jack” Abas and Deputy Chief Minister Ali Bangcola Solaiman.
The SCPs were issued not only to BIAF members but also to amnesty applicants from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the New People’s Army (NPA), affirming a broader push for reconciliation and reintegration.
Legal Protection Through SCP
The Safe Conduct Pass is a critical protection measure for MILF amnesty applicants. As long as they comply with the legal process—submitting applications and attending hearings—they cannot be arrested or prosecuted for rebellion-related offenses committed prior to their participation in the peace process.
This safeguard is especially vital for BIAF members who must travel from remote areas to government centers to file their amnesty applications. With the SCP, they can do so without fear of being intercepted or detained.
Learning from the GenSan Raid
The formalization of the SCP mechanism follows a controversial incident on October 17, 2024, when the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an unannounced raid on an amnesty orientation in General Santos City. The raid targeted former MILF commanders, some of whom were already serving or running for public office.
The raid, carried out without coordination with NAC, was met with strong criticism and prompted Chief Minister Macacua—then Governor of Maguindanao del Norte—to collaborate with the national government to prevent such events from recurring.
As a result, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Memorandum Order No. 36 on April 11, 2025, granting NAC the authority to issue SCPs. Today’s ceremony is the direct outcome of that policy.
Amnesty: A Second Chance at Life
Amnesty grants official pardon to individuals who committed crimes, such as rebellion, before joining the peace process. For the MILF, this process stems from the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and is implemented under Proclamation No. 1090 signed by former President Duterte and extended under Proclamation No. 405 by President Marcos Jr.
NAC and its Local Amnesty Boards (LABs) are tasked with receiving, verifying, and recommending applications. According to Atty. Marvin Mokamad, LAB member and MILG-BARMM official, eligible BIAF members—including those currently detained—are strongly encouraged to apply.
“Wala nang dahilan para matakot. Protektado na kayo,” Mokamad assured, pledging full support from the LAB in guiding applicants through the process.
Key Benefits of Amnesty for BIAF Members
- Freedom of Movement and Identity – No need to hide or use aliases. Applicants can travel, work, and settle anywhere legally.
- Restoration of Civil Rights – Eligibility for legal documents such as passports, birth certificates, and national IDs; right to vote and run for office.
- Release from Detention – For those in custody, approved amnesty applications can lead to their release as criminal charges are dropped.
- Old Warrants Invalidated – Once an SCP is issued and amnesty is underway, previous warrants related to rebellion can no longer be enforced.
A New Chapter for Peace
For Chief Minister Macacua, the distribution of SCPs is more than a legal formality—it represents the continued journey toward peace and reconciliation.
With the full support of the National Government, OPAPRU, and the National Amnesty Commission, the event marked the beginning of a new chapter for former BIAF fighters—one rooted in legal recognition, reintegration, and renewed hope.
For inquiries about Amnesty Applications or Safe Conduct Passes, contact:
📞 09660423621 (Globe) | 09622886714 (Smart)
📧 naclabcotabato@gmail.com
📍 Local Amnesty Board – Cotabato Secretariat