Minor NPA rebel yields in Agusan

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 8, 2020): Minor NPA rebel yields in Agusan (By Mike Crismundo)

BUTUAN CITY – Tired of running, going thirsty and hungry, a minor New People’s Army (NPA) regular voluntarily surrendered to the field unit of the Philippine Army’s 29th Infantry (Matatag Fighters) Battalion (29th IB) in Agusan del Norte.

“Ka Lito”, (real name withheld), is a regular member of the Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda 16 (SYP 16) Guerilla Front Committee 16 (GFC 16), of the CPP-NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) was welcomed by the command group of the 29th IB in Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Monday.

According to “Ka Lito,” he was recruited by the communist-terrorist organization when he was 17 years old.

He descended from the mountains of Zapanta Valley in Agusan to surrender because he no longer liked the life of being a rebel.

While he was there, he suffered severe hunger, thirst, and longing for his family. Lito stated that he was involved in several cases of harassment of troops during an operation.

He also related that whenever a member or a colleague dies during an encounter, they just leave the remains and notify the family weeks after.

Lito said the life of a rebel is laborious as they are always moving without the promised financial assistance nor salary, and always facing danger and the unknown.

He said he was deceived by the CPP-NPA’s propaganda that joining the group will give him a comfortable and better life, away from poverty.

Lito urged the youth: “Dili gayud magpadala sa grupo kay ang kabatan-onan ang ilang focus” (Do not be deceived because the youth is their focus).

According to the command group of the 29th IB, “We are glad that he chose to surrender, to stop rebelling against the government and return to the fold because he can now live a better life. He can start anew, away from the chaos and the danger that he experienced when he was still a rebel. May Lito’s life be a lesson to all rebels. Surrender and be safe.”

Upon confirmation with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the said surrenderer was found to be a minor, the 29th IB said.

He was recruited by the communist-terrorist group when he was still 16 years old. Lito stayed as a regular member for six months from May 1, 2020 up to November 25, 2020. He turned 17 years old last September.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/08/minor-npa-rebel-yields-in-agusan/