The 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division has disclosed materials recovered from a deadly encounter in Occidental Mindoro last month, including a detailed notebook that provides unprecedented insight into the daily experiences of New People's Army (NPA) recruits.
The firefight occurred on March 29 at Sitio Salafay in Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, resulting in the death of Captain Dean Buen Oyando and injuries to two other soldiers. NPA member Charlize Garzon was captured near the location where Captain Oyando fell and now faces murder charges in connection with the incident.
According to the military statement issued from Camp Capinpin in Rizal, government troops recovered several significant items from the encounter site, including an M16 rifle, a hand grenade, improvised explosive device (IED) components, and a Muji notebook containing extensive handwritten entries about life within the armed group.
Detailed Documentation of NPA Operations
The recovered notebook, believed to belong to a female NPA member, contains comprehensive documentation of the group's organizational structure, including references to internal roles and functions within what the military describes as the terrorist organization.
The journal includes tactical notes describing maneuvering procedures during operations and specific instructions for members facing armed encounters or potential apprehension by government forces. One particularly notable directive instructs members to deny involvement if captured by authorities.
The entries also document the March 24 encounter in Sitio Danlog of the same barangay, where the NPA member wrote, "walang martsa o rali na makakapaghanda sayo sa lakaran sa bundok" (no march or rally can prepare you for walking in the mountains).
Personal Struggles and Mountain Life
Beyond operational details, the notebook reveals personal struggles of life within the armed group. Daily entries describe meals, new experiences such as handling and carrying rifles, and persistent concerns about potential armed confrontations with government forces.
Several entries reflect the physical and emotional toll of mountain life, including expressions of fatigue and longing for urban comforts. The author documented missing city conveniences and expressed desires to leave the mountains after extended periods without proper bathing facilities.
The writings provide a candid portrayal of the challenges faced by new recruits adapting to the harsh realities of guerrilla life, contrasting sharply with idealized portrayals often presented in recruitment efforts.
Ideological Reflections and Strategic Analysis
The notebook also contains ideological engagement with the movement, including critical assessments of the group's activities. In one passage, the author analyzed perceived weaknesses within their operations and offered recommendations, writing, "kailangan natin pataasin ang rebolusyonaryong inisyatiba natin" (we need to raise our revolutionary initiative).
These entries demonstrate the level of political indoctrination and strategic thinking expected from recruits, while simultaneously revealing internal critiques and suggestions for improvement within the organization.
Camp Layouts and Operational Security
The journal includes detailed drawings and sketches of personal belongings and surrounding environments, including maps illustrating the structure of makeshift camps used by the group. These sketches depicted specific areas such as sleeping quarters, kitchen spaces, and other functional sections within temporary encampments.
The documentation reveals the mobile nature of NPA operations, showing how members continuously relocate between different areas while maintaining organized camp structures during temporary stays.
Military Analysis of Intelligence Value
Colonel Michael Aquino, Chief of the 2nd Division Public Affairs Office, emphasized the significant intelligence value of the recovered materials in understanding internal NPA dynamics and recruitment integration processes.
"The entries recovered from the encounter site provide a clearer picture of involvement within the organization," Aquino stated. "The writings describe operational procedures, experiences within the group, and even ideological reflections, which strongly contradict attempts to portray them as just someone merely observing or conducting cultural work."
Aquino noted that the materials provide factual context regarding the circumstances of the operation, countering narratives circulating online about the nature of the captured individual's involvement.
Adherence to International Humanitarian Law
Despite the circumstances surrounding Garzon's capture and the serious charges she faces, military officials emphasized their commitment to lawful conduct and humanitarian treatment.
"Despite the circumstances of Garzon's capture and the charges she is facing, our troops ensured that she received first aid and medical attention," Aquino explained. "This reflects our adherence to the rule of law and our respect for human dignity and the International Humanitarian Law."
The captured NPA member received immediate first aid from government troops and was subsequently provided proper medical attention to ensure her safety and well-being while in government custody.
Ongoing Counter-Insurgency Operations
The 2nd Infantry Division reiterated its dual commitment to protecting communities from armed threats while maintaining humane treatment standards for individuals involved in armed conflict.
Aquino emphasized that while various narratives continue circulating online, the materials recovered from the encounter site provide undisputable factual evidence about the operation's circumstances and the nature of NPA activities in the region.
"The details contained in the notebook reflect aspects of life and activities within the armed group that are difficult to dispute. These materials speak for themselves," he added.
The incident highlights ongoing government efforts to combat insurgency while adhering to international standards for the treatment of captured combatants and the protection of civilian populations in affected areas.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 2nd Infantry Division/AFP