Former rebel: Former NPA rebel Datu Jumoring Guaynon (seated in front) exposes the insurgency’s decline as support from ‘white area’ communities weakens, urging his former comrades to surrender and choose peace. (Photo: MJSM/PIA 10-Bukidnon)
MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — “As a former rebel, I am calling on those still blinded by pride and emotion to abandon the nonsense armed struggle and surrender to the government,” Datu Jumoring Guaynon said at a recent press conference, his words reflecting regret and lessons learned.
Guaynon shared his experiences as the NPA’s Secretary of the Peasant Bureau under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), recalling his role in extorting funds and collecting supplies for a cause he now dismisses as ‘nonsense.’
Now a proponent of peace, he urged his former comrades to lay down their arms.
He described the significant shift in the conditions of rebel groups, noting how they once thrived with support from “white areas” that provided food and supplies. Today, he said, that support has diminished, leaving many rebels struggling in the mountains.
Guaynon admitted that while he was not a regular armed combatant, his role as prime mover in the “white areas” kept him within the web of deception that trapped many fighters.
“My life changed when I left. It was my best decision in life. I am now the government’s peace program beneficiary, receiving livelihood assistance, housing, and full support under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” Guaynon said.
Rebuilding for Peace
Now focused on helping others escape the same fate, Guaynon leads efforts to assist former rebels (FRs) in reintegrating into society.
“As former rebels, now called ‘friends rescued,’ we are forming organizations to support the government’s anti-insurgency efforts. At the local level, we have Pigbuligaan; at the provincial level, Bukas Kalinaw; and at the regional level, Amen Kalinaw. Our mission is to safeguard our province, region, and nation. We need to assist our misled comrades back to lawful living,” the ex-rebel explained.
These groups help former rebels by working alongside the government to ensure that those willing to surrender could receive comprehensive assistance, including skills training, financial aid, and livelihood programs to aid them reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
Plea for Peace
Guaynon also emphasized that the fight against the government is futile and self-destructive.
“We have seen firsthand that the government’s programs are effective. Let us ensure that no one else falls victim to deception. Let us sever all ties with the CPP-NPA once and for all,” he urged.
His journey from rebellion to reintegration stands as a symbol of hope for those still caught in the struggle.
“To my former comrades, the choice is clear: Peace or endless war? Choose prosperity. Choose life,” Guaynon said. (MJSM/PIA 10-Bukidnon)
