Ex-NPA rebel finishes senior high school

“Ka Jerik”, a former NPA rebel, with his parents after his senior high school graduation recently in Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of 94th IB)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A 22-year-old former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who returned to the folds of the law graduated from senior high school this year.

“Ka Jerik,” a former regular NPA rebel member operating in Central Negros, left the organization and surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in October 2020.

According to the Army, the rebel returnee was allegedly recruited to join the communist group when he was 14 years old.

He was previously involved in various encounters against the 94th IB, 62nd IB, and the police, the Army said.

After his graduation, “Ka Jerik” applied for a scholarship to pursue a college degree as he wants to become a member of the Philippine Army.