BUTIG, Lanao del Sur — In a landmark event symbolizing progress in the Bangsamoro peace process, the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) held a mass filing of amnesty applications for former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on October 4, 2025, at Camp Bushra Somiorang (Aleem Abdulaziz Mimbantas Memorial Center – MILF Panel Satellite Office) in Barangay Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur.
The activity gathered 72 MILF combatants who formally submitted their applications for amnesty under Proclamation No. 405, s. 2023, issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The program was spearheaded by Atty. Leah C. Tanodra-Armamento, NAC Chairperson, together with Commissioners Atty. Jamar M. Kulayan and Anwar S. Alamada, and attended by key MILF leaders and peace partners.
In a historic highlight of the event, MP Basit Sarip Abbas, also known as Commander Jannati Mimbantas, Front Commander of the Northeastern Mindanao Front of the MILF–Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), became the first MILF combatant officially granted amnesty by the government. His grant was personally awarded by Atty. Armamento on behalf of the NAC.
The amnesty extinguishes any criminal liability for acts committed in connection with the armed conflict, signifying his full reintegration into lawful society. “This marks a concrete step toward peace, reconciliation, and healing in the Bangsamoro,” NAC Chairperson Armamento said during the ceremony.
The event was also attended by Member of Parliament (MP) Baileng S. Mantawil, who leads the MILF Technical Working Group on Amnesty, and Anwar S. Alamada, Chairperson of the MILF–Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG). They were joined by Atty. Bai Pangandongan Dilangalen of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Cotabato Chapter, Atty. Mohammad Jamalul Giducos, Director IV of NAC, and representatives from the Local Amnesty Board (LAB), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), IBP, and Initiatives for Dialogues and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Inc.
Out of the 72 combatants who filed their applications, 60 qualified applicants were issued Safe Conduct Passes (SCP) by the NAC—a crucial step toward their safe and legal return to civilian life as productive members of society.
The amnesty program covers crimes related to rebellion, sedition, and other offenses connected to armed conflict, and forms part of the government’s comprehensive peace efforts with the MILF. It aims to provide former combatants with a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to lasting peace in the region.
“This event demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to justice, reconciliation, and peace in the Bangsamoro,” Atty. Armamento emphasized, commending the continued cooperation between the NAC, MILF, and local peace stakeholders.
The successful mass filing of amnesty applications at Camp Bushra stands as a powerful testament to the spirit of unity, peace, and reintegration—a hopeful signal that the long road toward healing and nation-building in Mindanao continues to move forward.