GAME OVER. A New People’s Army rebel, “Ka Balong”, surrenders to the Philippine Army in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on Sunday (Nov. 20, 2022). He said he is tired of always hiding and wants to start a new life with his family. (PNA photo by Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora – A medic of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered and yielded his firearms to authorities in Barangay Calabuanan here on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr., commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (IB), said “Ka Balong” could no longer endure the hardships in the mountains and the NPA’s loss of support from the masses.
He brought with him M14 and M16 rifles when he turned himself in.
Recto said the surrender of “Ka Balong” is yet another indication of the continuous downfall of the communist terrorist organization.
“Your 91st IB, together with our partners, through the implementation of Executive Order 70 which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach {in fighting communism), will do its best to help Ka Balong deradicalize from the indoctrination of the terrorist groups. The government is ready to help him to live a new life with his family,” Recto said in an interview.
“Ka Balong” said he realized the futility of the armed struggle as he saw some of his comrades sacrifice their lives for useless causes.
“Nagsikap po ako na sumuko para makasama ang pamilya ko na hindi ko na nakakasama sa buhay (I surrendered so I can be with my family whom I haven’t been with for a long time now),” the rebel said, adding that there are no more places to hide because communities have been tipping off authorities regarding their whereabouts.
He was also enticed to return to the fold of the law because of the various government programs for rebels wanting to return to mainstream society.
“Now, I finally declare myself as one of the surrenderers with no plans of turning back. I am giving myself to the 91st IB to change my life and be with my family, especially this Christmas,” he said in Filipino.
“Ka Balong” is hoping his comrades still on the run will follow his path so as not to involve others in their bloody war, especially the youth. (PNA)
