To ensure the coordinated, efficient, transparent implementation of the national amnesty program for former rebels within the city, the City Government of Davao created a Technical Working Group for the local implementation of the program, through Executive No. 31, Series of 2024.
Issued on September 25, 2024, Executive Order No. 31, or “An Order Creating the Technical Group for the Implementation of the Amnesty Program for Former Rebels of the CPP-NPA-NDF under Proclamation No. 404, Series of 2023 ” provides for the composition of the Technical Working Group, the secretariat, pertinent provision on the coordination with Peace 911, TWG functions, and funding.
The TWG is created to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the amnesty program for the former rebels of the CPP-NPA-NDF within the jurisdiction of Davao City.
The TWG Chairperson shall be the City Mayor or in his absence, his duly authorized representative with Peace 911 as co-chairperson.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office was also designated as a secretariat member.
Meanwhile, members of the TWG are the City Legal Office, the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Peace and Public Safety, Public Safety and Security Office, the Davao City Police Office, the Philippine Army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade, the 56th Infantry Battalion, the 48th Infantry Battalion, the 27th Infantry Battalion, the 89th Infantry Battalion, the Public Attorney’s Office XI, Department of Justice Region XI, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Davao City, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and the Local Amnesty Board.
The EO also mandates close coordination between the TWG and the Peace 911’s Legal Cluster to ensure that only former rebels who are enrolled in the Peace 911 Program are vetted and recommended for the amnesty program.
The functions of the TWG include assisting former rebels who committed criminal acts in pursuit of political beliefs, including those detained, charged, convicted, and those who surrendered in Davao City by providing them with comprehensive support services, insofar as their amnesty application is concerned.
Also part of its function is coordinating with relevant government agencies such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and stakeholders to ensure the completion of pertinent documents, i.e AFP Interrogation Report, Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC) Certificate, and court documents, among others,
relative to the efficient processing and provision of the amnesty to qualified former rebels.
The CSWDO and Peace 911 shall monitor the status of the former rebels’ amnesty application, identifying and addressing any issues or challenges that may arise.
The TWG shall also submit regular reports to the Office of the City Mayor on the progress and status of the amnesty program.
The TWG shall perform other functions that may be necessary to ensure the successful implementation of this program.
More details of the EO can be accessed at https://www.davaocity.gov.ph/transparency/executive-orders/2024-2/. CIO
