𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗔𝗖 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻; 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹

April 24, 2026 Giving more former rebels the chance to rebuild their lives and return to mainstream society, the NTF-ELCAC Executive Committee (EXECOM) has formally endorsed the extension of the Amnesty Program for another two years, a move fully backed by President Marcos Jr.

NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. reported during the FAQCheck press conference on Thursday that while the program technically ended last March 13, the proposal from the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) aims to accommodate the growing number of applicants.

He explained that the first two years were largely spent on organizing the commission and establishing local boards, which is why processing is only now gaining momentum.

“Reconciliation is not just possible, it is already happening,” Torres said.

“The proposal of the NAC is for the program to be extended for two years (until 2028), subject to the concurrence of Congress. It is very important to mention that the Executive Committee and the President have fully endorsed the extension,” he added.

To date, 13,647 individuals have applied, with 19 CPP members and one MILF member already granted amnesty. Authorities expect thousands more to be processed in the coming months.

In the meantime, NAC Chairperson Atty. Leah Armamento has directed all units to continue accepting applications even while waiting for the official extension order, ensuring no qualified former rebel is left behind.

This initiative complements the E-CLIP program, which has already assisted over 50,000 former rebels in their journey towards peace and reintegration.

The 9th Executive Committee Meeting, held April 22 in Malacañang and presided by The NTF-ELCAC Chairperson, His Excellency President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, was attended by 34 out of 38 members. It marked the first attendance of new members namely National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr., and OPAPRU Secretary Mel Sarmiento, along with other newly designated secretaries and Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS).

The committee also discussed threat situation updates from National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and reviewed action points from the previous meeting held in November 2025.

Furthermore, the Execom approved proposals including the earmarking of funds for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) 2027.

The Task Force official confirmed that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has committed to fund 1,948 BDP barangays for the said year.