WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 1081, dated September 21, 1972,
declaring a state of martial law throughout the land was issued because
of widespread lawlessness and anarchy, chaos and disorder, and wanton
destruction of lives and property prevailing throughout the country,
perpetrated, among others, by die-hard leaders and some members of
activist groups, subversive associations, and Communist-front
organizations;
WHEREAS, I have already issued Presidential Decree No. 124
on February 2, 1973, and extended amnesty in favor of all persons who
may have violated the following provisions of Section 4 of Republic Act
No. 1700, to wit:
"* * whoever knowingly, willfully, and by overt acts
affiliates himself with, becomes or remains a member of the Communist
Party of the Philippines and/or its successors or of any
subversive associations as defined in Section 2 hereof **"
WHEREAS, a few weeks ago, the leadership and responsible
elements of the Partido Komunista Ng Pilipinas (PKP), Hukbong
Magpapalaya Ng Bayan (HMB), Malayang Samahan Ng Magsasaka (MASAKA),
Malayang Pagkakaisa Ng Kabataang Pilipino (MPKP), and Samahang Pambansa
Ng Kababaihan Sa Pilipinas (SPKP) indicated their desire to return to
the folds of the law and cooperate with the program of this
Administration to achieve the goals and objectives of the New Society;
WHEREAS, in the interest of peace and order, the
attainment of objectives to reform society and extend optimum benefits
to the masses of our people, it is necessary that these elements be
welcomed to the folds of the law and given fresh opportunities to
contribute their share and integrate their efforts towards the
attainment of its goals including, but not limited to land reform, a
more equitable distribution of wealth, the rehabilitation and
development of Mindanao and other areas of the country, and the
promotion of trade unions;
WHEREAS, it has been the policy of the Government to deal
with and treat the foregoing types of individuals with compassion, and
facilitate their desire to become our co-workers in the New Society;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the
Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the
Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, do hereby declare and
decree an amnesty in favor of leaders, officers and members of the
Partido Komunista Ng Pilipinas (PKP), Hukbong Magpapalaya Ng Bayan
(HMB), Malayang Samahan Ng Magsasaka (MASAKA), Malayang Pagkakaisa Ng
Kabataang Pilipino (MPKP), and Samahang Pambansa Ng Kababaihan sa
Pilipinas (SPKP), including those who may have committed any act
penalized by existing laws, which has been committed to promote their
political beliefs or to enhance acceptance of their ideas, views, and
opinions about the social order, economic system or form of government
in the Philippines; Provided, That they pledge loyalty and
allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and surrender whatever
firearms, ammunition and/or explosives which he/she may have in his/her
possession, whether licensed or unlicensed; Provided, further,
That his/her parents or known guardian, or in the absence of the latter
two, any prominent resident of the community where he/she resides shall
likewise pledge in writing to ensure that the applicant shall be a
peace-loving and law-abiding citizen of the Republic of the Philippines
at all times; Provided, furthermore, That they shall apply for
amnesty not later than December 31, 1974; Provided, also, That such
applicant has not committed murder or crimes against chastity; And
Provided, finally, That the grant of amnesty shall be under such
procedures, terms and conditions prescribed by Presidential Decree 124,
as amended. Any provision of Presidential Decree 124, as amended, which
is inconsistent with this Decree is hereby superseded.
I do hereby finally order and decree that any person not
expressly covered by this Decree may nonetheless be granted amnesty if
so recommended as provided herein and the merits of his/her case so
warrant.
Done in the City of Manila, this 1st day of November, in the
year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.
(Sgd.)
FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.)
ALEJANDRO MELCHOR
Executive Secretary