Christmas reunion amidst struggles

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

“Jerico,” not his real name, celebrated Christmas with his family after spending a year in the mountainous areas of Ticao, Masbate, fighting for a cause he believed would lead to a better life. He expressed his gratitude to the soldiers of the 96th Infantry Battalion for giving him a new chance at life and for not abandoning him despite his affiliation with the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

“My comrades used me as a shield during our encounter and then abandoned me in the mountains as they fled. They promised they would return for me, but no one showed up after two days. I was left without food or water and would have died if the soldiers hadn’t found me and taken care of me.”

He was initially taken to the Masbate Provincial Hospital; however, due to his worsening condition, which was exacerbated by dehydration, the battalion arranged for a medical evacuation to a more advanced hospital with better facilities to treat him.

Major Frank Roldan, spokesperson for the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), said that the wounded NPA member was airlifted via a Sokol helicopter to a hospital where he received comprehensive medical care.

Jerico sustained injuries during the armed encounter with government troops on November 21 at Barangay Cancahorao, Baleno, Masbate. After being overpowered, his companions hurriedly fled in different directions, leaving him in pain and bleeding. From the site of the encounter, authorities recovered two M16 rifles, one .45 caliber pistol, one .44 caliber revolver, explosives, various personal belongings, and subversive documents belonging to the fleeing NPA members.

Christmas Reunion

Jerico’s mother was tearful but filled with joy as she saw her son alive and gradually recovering from his injuries sustained in the firefight.

The emotional mother, who had once thought she had lost her son, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the military for not hesitating to help him, despite their differing points of view. "I am incredibly grateful to be reunited with our family after more than a year apart from our son. Last Christmas, we were in tears because one of our children couldn’t be with us. That’s why we are truly thankful to the Army and the government. If it weren’t for the Army, my son might not be alive today."

After learning that his son had been left in the woods, Jerico’s father called on his son’s companions to surrender to the military. “They took away his biscuits and water, even though they knew my son was injured. He would have died if the soldiers hadn’t rescued him. Surprisingly, the ones they were fighting were the ones who saved him. I am calling on his former comrades to stop fighting the government. To those who have been recruited, please come down now. The conflict only brings heartache to your parents.”

Jerico realized that all the NPA’s promises of a good life were empty. “They promised me a salary and assured me that my life would improve. They kept coming to my house, so I thought this might be my opportunity. I was wrong. The real hope lies with the government. Nevertheless, I am grateful that I spent Christmas with my family.” (PIA 5)

JERICO spent two days in the wilderness without food or water after being used as a shield and abandoned by his comrades following an encounter with government troops. (Photo credits: DPAO, 9th ID, PA)