ILOILO – A former rebel who once walked the path of armed struggle is now striding toward a brighter future on the runway of life, closer than ever to realizing her dream of entering the fashion industry.
Alias “Kenken,” 24, participated in the donning ceremony for graduating students at Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) – Miagao Campus on Thursday, June 5. She will formally graduate on June 11 with a degree in BS Industrial Technology, major in Fashion and Apparel.
Kenken is a former medical officer of the dismantled Southern Panay Front of the New People’s Army (NPA). She joined the rebel movement in 2017 at the age of 19, shortly after finishing senior high school. Her journey into the insurgency began through text message communication with a recruiter, alias “Jerry,” who later became her husband and was then a squad leader of the front.
Her turning point came when she gave birth while still inside the movement. Fearing for their child’s safety and with the persistent encouragement of her family, Kenken and her husband decided to surrender in December 2019. The local government unit of Tubungan and the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) played key roles in facilitating their reintegration into society.
“They stayed in the underground movement for about a year and six months,” said Lt. Col. Arturo Balgos Jr., 61IB commanding officer, in an interview. “When they surrendered, they received support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), including P65,000 in financial aid, P25,000 and a cow as livelihood assistance from the Tubungan LGU, and additional P20,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.”
The couple established a sustainable livelihood raising native chickens. While her husband now tends to their farm and drives a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to support their family, Kenken has focused on her studies. The 61IB has continuously supported her throughout her academic journey–from enrollment until her graduation.
Kenken now leads the Tubungan chapter of the Federation for Reform Initiatives Empowerment to National Development Services, an organization composed of former rebels who receive continuous support from the government.
Although she was not a beneficiary of the provincial scholarship program for former rebels, Balgos noted that her story helped inspire the creation of an ordinance granting educational support to rebel returnees and their children.
Aside from Kenken, many former rebels have signified interest in pursuing higher education or completing senior high school through the Alternative Learning System.
“To our former rebels, especially in Iloilo, just signify if you want to attend college education or vocational courses because we now have a scholarship program,” Balgos said. “To those still active in the armed movement, we urge you to surrender. Do not wait for a fatal encounter.”
Kenken’s transformation from a rebel fighter to an aspiring fashion designer stands as a powerful symbol of redemption and hope—for herself, her family, and others who choose the path of peace./PN