BREAKING NEWS | Love Joy’s Transfer: Facts vs. Free Agusan 6 Network’s Fiction

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—In a statement on Sunday, an organization of former rebels in Davao Region "set the record straight" regarding the transfer of Grace “Nik-nik” Man-aning, one of the eight members of the New People's Army arrested in June in Bunawan, Agusan de Sur, to the custody of a military unit. The case of Grace, also known in the underground as Ka Love Joy or Ka Jelyn, has exposed once again the conflicting narratives between authorities and CPP-NPA-NDF front groups.

On August 11, 2025, a lawful court order allowed Man-aning’s transfer from the Agusan del Sur Provincial Jail to the custody of the 60th Infantry Battalion (IB). The request was initiated by her family and her husband, Leo Taba, who wanted their family reunited and her safety guaranteed.

Just hours later, the Free Agusan 6 Network and its allies, including Karapatan-SMR, claimed that Man-aning had been “taken” and branded a “high value target” by the 60IB. They portrayed her as a “civilian” and "peasant organizer," leaving out the truth of her NPA membership and her family’s role in the transfer.

'Malicious fabrication'

In an August 24 statement, Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao Region (Kalinaw SEMR) rejected the abduction narrative. "The claim that she was forcibly taken by the military is a clear malicious fabrication," the group said.

“The transfer was lawful, voluntary, and carried out with Grace’s full knowledge and consent. It was her husband who made the request so their family could be safely reunited.”

Kalinaw SEMR added that Man-aning was not an ordinary civilian but a former NPA combatant under "Jaguar," the remnant NPA unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Southern Mindanao. They emphasized that her choice to be with her family and accept protective custody should be respected.

“This reunion, which many former rebels yearn for, finally took place, with Love Joy breaking into tears, not of fear or trauma, but of happiness and relief,” Kalinaw SEMR stated.

The group also criticized Karapatan and its allies for what they described as a “disinformation campaign,” meant to "salvage their 'rescue campaign,' more than any sincere concern for Love Joy’s rights or well-being."

Who are the so-called “Agusan 6”?

Man-aning was among the eight NPA members arrested in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on June 13, 2025, a group that front organizations later rebranded as the “Agusan 6,” following the voluntary surrender of Sinag Lugsi alias “Jomilyn” and Daryl Man-inday alias “Tonton” earlier this month.

Currently in detained are:

1. Charisse Bernadine Bañez alias “Nikki”

2. Ronnie Igloria alias “Gideon”

3. Louvaine Erika Espina alias “Pam”

4. Arjie Guino Dadizon alias “Ronron”

5. Larry Montero alias “Laloy”

6. Grace “Niknik” Man-aning alias “Ka Jelyn”/“Love Joy”

Lugsi and Man-inday were later dropped from Karapatan and Free Agusan 6's campaign and called the development as "forced surrender." Their omission, former rebels say, reflects a recurring pattern where individuals who either cooperate with authorities or refuse to be dragged into the CPP-NPA-NDF narrative are dropped from such campaigns, leaving only those who fit the “abducted civilian” script.

Rallyists in Davao City protest the continued detention of the Agusan 6, insisting the arrested were just "civilian peasant organizers." Photo from Karapatan SMR

Ex-rebels confirm: not civilians

Former NPA cadre Jam Saguino also confirmed their true identities.

“In general, sa akong pagkaila, sila ang mga remnants sa NPA, diri sa rehiyon sa Davao, sukwahi sa mga statements sa mga front organizations,” she told the Philippine Information Agency. [In general, based on what I know of them, they are remnants of the NPA here in the Davao region, contrary to the statements made by front organizations.]

For Kalinaw SEMR and other ex-rebels, the issue is straightforward: those arrested were NPA members, and Man-aning’s transfer was done by law and with her consent. For Karapatan and the Free Agusan 6 Network, the story is presented as another case of a "civilian" being taken by the military or "forced surrender."

"If this campaign of disinformation persists, we trust that the courts will take due notice," Kalinaw SEMR said, warning that with the court proceedings, the lies will surely unravel.