Manila, March 18 -- Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the high turnout of applicants for the government's amnesty program showcases the determination of former rebels and combatants to start a new life and trust in the government.

"(This high turnout) is a testament to their determination to start a new chapter in their lives, as well as shows their full trust and confidence in the national government," he said in a statement Tuesday night.

A total of 16,003 former rebels and combatants have availed themselves of the national government's amnesty program as of March 14, marking another major milestone under the comprehensive Philippine peace process.

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