FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – A medic of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered while bringing two high powered firarms to the soldiers of 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Divison (7ID), Philippine Army in Aurora last November 20, 2022.
Ka Balong who requested anonymity is a member of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre Tarlac-Zambales and brought along with him one M16 rifle and one M14 rifle. Said CTG medic surrendered due to the hardship he suffered in the mountains and loss of support from the masses because of the wrongdoings and misguided ideology of the CTG.
Ka Balong lamented that he realized the futility of the armed struggle which sacrificed the lives of their 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,” Ka Balong said.
Ka Balong encouraged the youth sector to be vigilant and nationalistic but discouraged them from engaging themselves in any group or activities facilitated by communist groups that will bring no good things but misery and culture of hate while he appealed to his former comrades to surrender, live a normal life away from the armed-conflict and be productive citizens.
Lieutenant Colonel Julito B. Recto Jr, Commander of 91IB expressed his sincerest appreciation and lauded Ka Balong for yielding and laying down his firearms as he surrendered.
“Your 91st IB together with our partner agencies through the implementation of E.O. 70 will do our 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.
Meanwhile, the Commander of 7ID, Major General Andrew D. Costelo reiterated the commitment of soldiers in intensifying the campaign to end local armed conflict and extend a helping to improve the living condition of former rebels as they integrate back to mainstream society.
