COTABATO CITY—Twenty-one high-ranking commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have applied for amnesty, marking a significant step in the peace process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the MILF and the Philippine government.

According to the Philippines News Agency, the applications were submitted on August 30 through the Local Amnesty Board in Cotabato City. This group includes several ground commanders who now serve as Members of Parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The submission was ceremonially witnessed by key figures including retired Gen. Cesar Yano and Minister Mohagher Iqbal, chairs of the Government of the Philippines-MILF Peace Implementing Panel.

The event also saw the presence of BARMM Senior Minister and MILF Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces spokesperson Abunawas 'Von Alhaq' Maslamama and MP Maryann Arnado. This amnesty initiative is part of the Annex on Normalization of the peace agreement aimed at reintegrating former combatants into civilian life as a gesture of national reconciliation.

As of September 4, the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) reported receiving 909 amnesty applications, including those from other groups such as the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front, Moro National Liberation Front, and the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade. The growing number of applications indicates a broader movement towards peace and unity across various armed factions in the Philippines.

The NAC continues to promote the benefits of amnesty through its information and education campaigns, stressing its role in fostering peace and national reconciliation. Applications for amnesty will be accepted until March 2026, underscoring the government’s commitment to a prolonged effort in securing peace and stability in the region.