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| Photo from captured enemy-documents. |
What pushed Victor to allow his life story to be published was
the issue of youth recruitment in different schools nationwide
causing a lot of families to suffer unnecessarily. The CPP-NPA-
NDF still uses the same strategies and efforts to replenish their
ranks, and train future cadres. Victor knew and understand
well how rough the life is of an insurgent. Being a father now,
the thought of teenagers pitted against seasoned soldiers in
combat is too much for him to imagine. He knew it’s time to do
something for those kids and their respective families.
“There’s that gnawing guilt that haunts me in my sleep. It’s
a curse on me. As a parent, I see myself in the pained testimonies
of those mothers who went to the Senate Hearing. I know I did
my part in recruiting and sending bright minds to their deaths.
I do not want that for my kids,” Victor said.
He added: “Even if one student will be stopped from joining
the CPP-NPA-NDF and their front organization, or even if one
family is saved from being torn apart after knowing my story in
this book, then all the dangers I’m facing now is worth it. People
must understand that the communists don’t have the monopoly of nationalism, and also on activism. The CPP-NPA-NDF’s
brand of activism is a divisive and destructive one. It should
not be. Activism should be positive and constructive. It should
never be destructive, or inimical to society’s well-being. In fact,
activism, in its true sense, should be encouraged because it is a
natural way of expression by persons who really care for their
community and fellow human beings.”
--THE WARS WITHIN (2020 / Copy&Share)
