Kalinaw News: NPA member surrendered due to difficult life, loss of support from the masses

From Kalinaw News (Nov 21, 2022): NPA member surrendered due to difficult life, loss of support from the masses

BALER, Aurora-Tired of a difficult life in the mountains and loss of support from the masses, a medics of the New People’s Army (NPA) Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre Tarlac-Zambales (KLG-TarZam) has surrendered to authorities at the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Camp Jaime Birong, Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora.

Ka Balong who requested his anonymity said that the reason he surrendered is because the people did not support the NPA and no longer endure the hardships in the mountains.

“I realized the futility of the armed struggle which sacrificed the lives of my comrades for a useless cause. Natuklasan ko po na mali ang ipinaglalaban namin. Nagsikap po ako na sumuko para makasama ang pamilya ko na hindi ko na nakakasama sa buhay. I am already tired of running and hiding away from our government forces and there’s no more place to hide since the people have been reportedly tipping off our presence or location to authorities,” Ka Balong said.

He added that the youth should not engage themselves in any group or activities facilitated by communist groups and should focus on their studies rather than joining militant groups.

“I also surrendered my two rifles (M-16 and M14) two the 91st IB before. I hide, did not show myself first because I am not ready. I have to tell many revelations to our Philippine Army on the dismantled KLG-SM,” he said.

Ka Balong added that he was enticed to return to the fold of the law by the various programs implemented by the government, particularly those intended to alleviate the lives of former rebels, and integrating them back to mainstream society.

“Sa mga nakasama ko sa bundok, pag-isipan ninyong mabuti. Sumuko na kayo dahil wala namang naidudulot na maganda ang kilusan sa mahabang panahon. Hindi tayo magtatagumpay kasi mas malakas naman talaga ang gobyerno. Napatunayan ko din at ng mga nauna sa akin na sumuko na hindi kami sinaktan ng gobyerno,” Ka Balong said.

“Now, I finally declaring myself as one of the surrenderees with no plans of turning back. I am giving myself to the 91st IB to change my lives and be with my family especially this Christmas,” He said.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB expressed his sincerest thanks and lauded Ka Balong for yielding themselves and laying down his fire arms before his final surrender today.

“Your 91st IB together with our partners through the implementation of E.O. 70 “whole-of-nation-approach will do its best to help Ka Balong deradicalize from the indoctrination of the terrorist groups. Your government is ready to help you live a new life with your family,” Recto said.

He also appealed for other remaining dismantled KLG-SM of the NPA to surrender in order to have a normal live together with their families for a lasting sense of peace and prosperity.

“Your 91st IB is always here to assist and help you since Christmas is fast approaching as you reunite with your families this holiday season. This is the best Christmas to feel the peace, love, joy and bonding with your families,” Recto said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-member-surrendered-due-to-difficult-life-loss-of-support-from-the-masses/