By Jennifer P. Rendon
The death of a comrade and the capture of 11 fellow New People’s Army (NPA) members in an encounter with government forces were the last straw that drove a young rebel to leave the armed struggle.
On Saturday, 20-year old Ken (real name withheld for security reasons), a resident of Miagao, Iloilo, voluntarily surrendered to officials of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion based at Camp Monteclaro, Barangay Igtuba, Miagao.
Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, 61st IB commander, said the young NPA member used to be with the NPA’s Suyak (SDG) Platoon of the Southern Front-Komiteng Rehiyon Panay.
Ken was one of the combatants who figured in an encounter with 61IB soldiers on April 18 at Sitio Anoy, Barangag Cabalaunan, Miagao, where 11 of his comrades, including four minors, were captured.
He survived unscathed. But Ken claimed that the incident was also the turning point for him to leave the movement.
Batara said Ken decided to run off and returned home.
As claimed by Ken’s family, “he was shaking when he arrived home. His mother, while relieved, was also agitated by what happened to her son. They immediately sought help from barangay officials, who assisted them in going to our headquarters,” Batara said.
Ken allegedly claimed he was sick with the lies and promises of the NPA.
“He realized that he was just deceived all along into joining the movement. Right now, all he wants is to clear his name and have a better future,” Batara said.
EMPTY PROMISES
Ken was recruited sometime in February 2020. He was allegedly fetching water when armed men approached him.
He was readily offered a scholarship and other educational perks once he joins the rebel group.
“He grabbed it thinking that it was the only way for him to continue his studies,” Batara said.
Later, he learned that he was not there for free education” but for full-time work with the NPA along with other recruits who were forced to join the armed revolution.
“They were shocked when they were forced to hold arms and ordered to conduct a tactical offensive against the government troops,” Batara narrated.
But all of that is now behind Ken.
He’s moving on from that chapter of his life, the Army commander said.
“Nothing can beat the love of a mother for her child. I am glad that Ken chose to live with his family. Rest assured that we will help him in the best way that we can for him to live a peaceful and normal life,” Batara said.
