Tired in the Movement, Former Rebel Returns to Gov’t Fold

Known as “Anghel” or “Ian” to his comrades in the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) group, he left his group last April 2017 and went into hiding in order to save his life.

On March 25, 2018, he finally surrendered himself to the 36th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur around 10:00 o’clock in the evening.

The unjust policies, which he believed could help him alleviate his way of life and survive poverty as he entered the movement long before, were not true; instead he experienced additional burdens and hardships, a.k.a Anghel or Ian narrated.

Jed Tanog Quiñonez, his real name, revealed that “the promises made by the CPP-NPA to him that they will extend financial support to his family, provide free education, and help them resolve their land issues and concerns did not happen in reality, even just one of these promises. This slowly pushed him to realize, and heed himself to go back to the folds of the law.

With the help of Datu Jomar Sabas Bucales, a tribal leader of the municipality of Lianga this province and with the assistance of Major Jerson B. Igloria of the 4CMO Battalion, Anghel or Ian surrendered to Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, 36IB commanding officer, bringing along with him the following: three (3) firearms; one (1) M1 Garand Rifle (defaced), one (1) .38 Caliber Pistol (defaced), and one (1) improvised/homemade rifle.

The untiring combat operations implemented by the troops of the Philippine Army and the series of security awareness conducted with the help of the stakeholders in the province made the NPA rebels heed to surrender, according to an army official.

“The military’s relentless combat operations and security awareness campaign to all sectors of the society made the CNT members realize the futility of their armed struggle. We call once again to the remaining CPP-NPA terrorist, to follow suit and choose a peaceful path,” Lt. Col. Trinidad said in a press statement.

The government is very willing to accept those who wanted to go back to the folds of the law and give their share in achieving the long and lasting peace that will bring development in our community, Lt. Col. Trinidad concluded.

As of press time a.k.a. Anghel or Ian is now safe and will undergo the procedure as he returns to the government in order to avail of the government programs intended to former rebels.  (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)