Manila, Oct. 1 -- The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Committee (ExeCom) is looking to extend the insurgent amnesty program for another two years from the current March 16, 2026 deadline.

In a press conference in Malacanang on Wednesday, National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Chair Leah Tanodra-Armamento said the program has 4,269 applications as of Sept. 19, out of the expected 10,000 applicants by the program's deadline next year.

"We fear that there may be potential qualified applicants that may not be covered if the application ends in March 2026," Armamento said.

In particular, she said Task Force Balik Loob-created by the government to offer comprehensive support to former rebels from th...