Ex-rebel medic reunites with family after 5-year gap

IN Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, a heartwarming reunion took place on July 4, 2023.

Marilyn Mandag, who had spent several years as a medic for the communist group, finally reunited with her family.

Just a couple of days earlier, on July 2, 2023, Marilyn, also known as Milca, made the courageous decision to surrender along with her partner, Dindo Kusong, known as Kalibo.

They voluntarily turned themselves in to the 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion.

Marilyn was the last member of her family to abandon the communist group and return to the government’s side.

Her parents had already left the said group and come back to the lawful path on January 16, 2020, while her sister, Rudilyn Mandag, surrendered on September 18, 2021.

Upon receiving a phone call from their daughter, Roberto and Lisa Mandag, Marilyn’s parents, requested the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion to arrange a visit to see their daughter, who was under the custody of the 65IB.

Emotions ran high as tears streamed down the faces of the Mandag family during their long-awaited reunion.

In her statement, Marilyn expressed her happiness at being able to see her parents, siblings, and loved ones again.

She explained that during her time with the communist rebels, they were not allowed to contact their families or even catch a glimpse of them because it went against their doctrines.

She expressed deep gratitude for finally being able to see her family alive, disproving the false information given to her by her commander, AKA Mackoy/Dindo, who had falsely claimed that her mother was dead and her father was confined in a pig pen when they surrendered.

She realized that Mackoy/Dindo had been manipulating her with NPA propaganda to deceive her and recruit more young people and masses.

Marilyn also expressed her immense gratitude to the soldiers for providing the opportunity for her to reunite with her family.

Lisa, Marilyn’s mother, shared her gratitude for her daughter’s safe return and the completion of their family.

She no longer worries constantly about their well-being, especially when Milca was still in the mountains.

Lisa also expressed appreciation to the government, particularly the ECLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program), for providing them with housing and livelihood assistance, contrary to the false claims made by the NPA.

Army’s 29th commander Lieutenant Colonel Cresencio C. Gargar, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to reunite the Mandag family, who had been victims of false promises and communist group propaganda.

He appealed to those who are still trapped in the misguided group to surrender, as the 29IB and the provincial government of Agusan Del Norte are ready to assist them through the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (ECLIP) in starting their new lives.