A former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel now fighting for peace alongside soldiers of the Philippine Army in northern Negros has been awarded as this year’s Outstanding Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary (CAA) by the 3rd Infantry Division (ID).
Eduardo Linogon Jr., 33 years old, was cited for his “acts of heroism, loyalty and gallantry in action” as a member of the Delta Company of 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
“His transformation from a former rebel into an award-winning peacekeeper reflects the true spirit of service and redemption,” 79IB commander Lt. Colonel Arnel Calaoagan said in a statement yesterday.
Linogon, the second consecutive 79IB CAA to receive the recognition after Jason Traya last year, received his award from 3ID commander Major General Michael Samson in a ceremony held at the division headquarters in Jamindan, Capiz on April 21.
Recruited to the armed struggle while still a minor, he was part of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army for 16 years, where he became a mass base supporter, courier and later a combatant.
After he surrendered in 2023, Linogon joined the CAA and was assigned to the patrol based in Barangay Caduhaan, Cadiz City.
Linogon’s “insider knowledge of enemy movements and contacts made him a valuable asset to the unit,” the 79IB said.
He served as a guide during the series of armed encounters between NPA remnants and 79IB troops in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City from February 21 to 27, 2024.
“Though wounded, they courageously pressed on, contributing to the neutralization of three communist terrorists and the recovery of 16 high-powered firearms and four low-powered firearms,” the Army unit said.
1Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, 79IB civil-military operations officer, said Linogon is thankful for the opportunity the Philippine Army gave him to embrace a new life after leaving the armed struggle.
“In receiving the award, he expresses his wholehearted desire to return to the fold of the law and shows his former comrades there is still a chance for them to surrender as well,” he said. (PNA)