IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- A young member of Militia ng Bayan (MB) voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) Alpha Company Commander 1st Lieutenant Lorjohn Hernandez in Barangay San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon on Sunday, September 15.
The combatant, identified as Alias Myjon, 18, who came from So Victory, Barangay San Luis, Malitbog, is a member of the Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
Afraid for his safety, he decided to surrender to military authorities bringing along with him one Colt AR-15 caliber .45 semi-automatic rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition.
In his revelation, he said he was collecting abaca fibers when the New People's Army (NPA) passed by into his direction.
"Dise sais pa ako to. Nakita nila ko. Dayun, gisugo ko hatod ug bugas. Dayon, giingnan ku nga uban na ku sa ila. (I was 16 at that time. They saw me and directed me to get their food supplies. When I came back, they told me to join them)," Myjon said.
The NPA promised him a piece of land after the armed struggle has succeeded.
Young, adventurous and easily deceived, he joined the group without his parents knowing.
"Wala nakabalo ang akong ginikanan, wala pud ku nakapananghid tungod sa panghitabo (My parents didn't know and I was not able to ask their permission because of the sudden eventualities)," he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, assured that Myjon is safe inside the military camp.
"We will ensure that nothing will happen to him and that he will be seeing his family very soon," Illana said.
The 8IB personnel has already informed his parents on his safe condition under the refuge of the Philippine Army.
"Myjon, of his age, should be at school, studying, and laughing with his friends. The NPAs took away this right from him," Illana added.
Myjon will be enrolled in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to receive financial assistance and other benefits from the government to start a new life. He also intends to continue his education since he was not able to finish the elementary curriculum. (PR)