Former rebels renounce support to NPA on Independence Day

Around 127 freed yKalingas no longer need to live in fear and hide from government authorities after they renounced their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) this Independence Day, June 12.

This was after they suffered long enough for being deceived by the communist terrorist group when they were lured to join the armed movement.

During the celebration of the 123rd Philippine Independence Day at the City Hall compound, through the collective efforts of the 503rd Infantry Brigade and the PTF-ELCAC, the 127 former members of the New People’s Army, Milita ng Bayan, and supporters took their oath of allegiance to the government.

Kalinga Provincial Administrator, Atty. William Puday Jr. administered the oath.

Two of them shared their testimonies revealing how they regret wasting their time for the movement, sacrificing and risking their lives hiding in the mountains, and other reasons why they decided to turn their back on said terrorist dissident group.

‘Nu nagadal nak idi, maysa nak kuman nga agriculturist tattan’

One of the former rebels who hails from Mabaca, Balbalan recalled that she started joining a group of activists when she was in college in 2006 and later, it led to her indoctrination. She became a full time member of the CPP-NPA where she was tasked as the Provincial Radio Operator.

She admitted she was enjoying the task at first, however, as time passes by she came face to face with realities and instances she could hardly accept. She cited that when her aunt and her grandfather died, she was prohibited to see them even for the last time since they are not allowed to be seen by people.

She said that they were not given the freedom to choose and their life must only revolve around their unit. With this, she decided to lay down her arms and helped her parents send her 3 siblings to school. That time, her family is reliant to their father’s farming activity for living.

Moreover, the former rebel expressed regret for not finishing her studies and she is now encouraging the students not to waste the chance given to them to get a degree and graduate which will lead to a better employment and better future.

“Sapay kuma ta agbalin a lesson kanyayu iti pasamak iti biyag ko. Tanu inpapatik kuma iti nagadal idi, baka maysa nakun nga agriculturist ita,” she said.

‘Awan masakbayan dagiay ubbing ko’

Another returnee from Taga, Pinukpuk shared that he joined the communist terrorist group in the 1990s. He was unemployed at that time and he was given a small amount as incentive.

While in the movement as a full time member, he met his wife and they had children. As they grew, he started to consider their future that made him decide to send his wife back in the mainstream of society.

“Awanen... talaga nga awan masakbayan dagidiay ubbing ko, isu a pinababak diay baket ko ket siak tu sumaruno,” he said.

He did not ask permission from their unit when he left the movement because he was prohibited to leave when he told them about his desire to have a normal and peaceful life.

He then called those who are still in the mountains to come down and support the program of the government. He talked about the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program, a whole nation approach which provides aid to returnees and help them start a new life.

“Ibaga tayon kadagiay adda idiay tapnu bumaba dan. Agawid tayon ken suruten tayo dagiti programan iti gobyerno, programan iti ELCAC,” he appealed.

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