This undated photograph received on September 3, 2008 by military sources shows the wanted separatist rebel leader Abdullah Macapaar, also known as Commander Bravo. AFP/File

MANILA (UPDATED) – Abdullah Macapaar, widely known as "Commander Bravo," has expressed his intention to apply for amnesty from the government for his involvement in political crimes committed during his leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a government official said Saturday. 

Darwin Wee, director of the Communications and Public Affairs Services of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said Commander Bravo joins the almost 800 former rebels who have already applied for amnesty offered by the government.

Of the applications already submitted, 686 were former members of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), 59 from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), 47 from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and two from the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).

"He already expressed his intention to apply for amnesty," Wee said of Bravo.

READ: Amnesty for rebels a 'game changer' in ending insurgency

As a prominent figure in the Moro rebellion in Lanao del Norte, Commander Bravo led major military operations aimed at advancing the Moro people's demand for a self-governing political entity. 

Wee said there will be a "review process" regarding the cases of Commander Bravo.

"Ang amnesty kasi, it obliterates your previous sins, sins na borne out of your political struggle or cause naman; hindi covered iyong mga heinous crime po," We said. 

Former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF were granted amnesty by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under Proclamation No. 404. 

Members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB, MILF, and MNLF were granted amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 405, and 406, respectively. 

Under the proclamations, issued on November 23, 2023, members of these rebel groups have two years to apply for amnesty. Applications are filed with the local amnesty boards, which also handle the initial processing.  

Wee said the government expects 1000 to 3000 former MILF rebels to apply for amnesty.

READ: Marcos' amnesty proclamations still need Congress nod -- commissioner

PEACE MONTH

Marcos is set to officially open the country's observance of the National Peace Consciousness Month in Malacañang on Monday in Malacañang, where is also expected to lead the commemoration of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front, according to Wee. 

Wee said Moro leaders are expected to express their support on the government's Bangsamoro peace agenda during the event.

"Within the term of the Marcos Jr. administration, he aspires that all internal armed conflict must be fully addressed. Why? Because we cannot afford as a nation to move forward if we are divided because we have more pressing concerns – we have issues in climate change kasi whether hindi ka rebelde o rebelde ka, kapag may climate change po, pagbaha po, damay-damay po tayo lahat," Wee said.