Question & AnswerQ&A (LETTER OF INSTRUCTION No. 513)
The AFP and the Integrated National Police Force are responsible for maintaining peace and order and enforcing the law throughout all provinces and cities, including the ceasefire area.
The civil government, both national and local, is to cooperate with the AFP and the Integrated National Police Force and extend all facilities and support in maintaining peace and order and enforcing the law.
Any person committing crimes punishable by ordinary criminal laws, regardless of claimed membership in rebel groups, shall be presumed not to belong to such organizations and will be treated as ordinary criminals subject to prosecution.
Crimes include murder, ambuscade, armed attack, robbery, extortion, coercion, kidnapping, and arson.
No, such a person shall not be considered entitled to special treatment as a member of the Moro National Liberation Front.
The criminal shall be proceeded against in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure of the Armed Forces and the Integrated Police Force, with notice given to the Moro National Liberation Front if there is any claim of membership by anyone.
Reports should be submitted to the Ceasefire Committee, the local and national governments, and the members of the Quadripartite Committee of the Islamic Conference.
The enforcement of law and maintenance of peace and order applies throughout all provinces and cities of the Philippines, including the ceasefire area in Southern Philippines.
This policy aims to ensure that criminal acts are punished under the law without granting immunity or special status based on association with rebel groups, thereby promoting rule of law and accountability.