Manila: The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) on Monday said 21 ranking Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders have filed their applications through the Local Amnesty Board in Cotabato City. In a statement, the NAC said among those who filed for amnesty on Aug. 30 were top ground commanders of the group who are now Members of Parliament (MP) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The ceremonial submission was witnessed by the chairpersons of the Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) Peace Implementing Panel, retired Gen. Cesar Yano and Minister Mohagher Iqbal. Also in attendance were BARMM Senior Minister and MILF Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) spokesperson Abunawas 'Von Alhaq' Maslamama and MP Maryann Arnado. The grant of amnesty to MILF rebels is part of their agreement with the government under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The NAC said this is a sign of the growing momentum toward peace, noting that MILF members applying for amnesty have reached 77 since it began accepting applications. As of Sept. 4, the NAC has received 909 amnesty applications. These applications include a significant number of former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front and their front organizations, as well as rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front and the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade, signaling a notable shift towards unity and reconciliation. The NAC continues to strengthen its information and education campaign, highlighting the benefits of amnesty in the government's pursuit of peace and national reconciliation, as well as the amnesty application process. The deadline for the submission of applications is set for March 2026. Source: Philippines News agency