Military aids ex-NPA female fighter during childbirth

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 29, 2024): Military aids ex-NPA female fighter during childbirth (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

CHILDBIRTH. A 29-year-old former New People's Army member delivers her daughter via C-section at a hospital in Negros Oriental on Saturday (Jan. 27, 2024). "Ka Aubrey" is one of two pregnant rebels rescued in Siaton, Negros Oriental in December last year. (Photo courtesy of 11th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A former female fighter of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) delivered her child with the help of the Negros Oriental provincial government and the Philippine Army.

“Ka Aubrey,” 29, gave birth via caesarean section to a girl, weighing just 2.8 pounds, on Saturday at a hospital here.

Her needs are all covered by the government, Maj. Jecey Batiller, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, said Monday.

“This is a classic example of our collaborative efforts with the provincial and local governments as well as other government agencies that we make sure to look after the welfare of the people we serve, especially former rebels who seek to have a new life after leaving the underground movement,” Batiller said.

Aubrey is one of two pregnant NPA fighters of the dismantled South East Front operating in southern Negros Oriental rescued last month by the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, and 705th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force 7.

The other rebel, “Ka Sarah,” is set to give birth in a few months, Batiller said.

After their rescue, Aubrey was reunited with her two other daughters, aged 5 and 2, who were left in the care of her family.

She urged her husband, who remains an active NPA member, to surrender.

Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, brigade commander, said in a statement that Aubrey's story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and understanding extended by the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217831