FR DIARIES | Owning the FR Identity

Up until the early part of 2022, Ida Marie Montero had been known as Ka Mandy for more than half of her life. She's a 43-year-old wife, mother of three teenage daughters and four dogs. She now adds FR, or "former rebel," to her identity.

After spending more than two decades in the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines, nineteen years of which were spent in the countryside of the Davao region, Ida has traded her botas (rain boots) and the difficult life of a CPP and NPA cadre for a new life as a peace advocate. Currently, she is the vice president for external affairs of Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao Region, an organization of former rebels who have chosen to leave the armed struggle and pursue the path of peaceful change. Ida's story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and a dash of humor.

Ida’s past was steeped in the fervor of revolution. But in January 2022, she decided to tread a different path. "The most difficult part of the decision," Ida recalls, "was erasing the belief that armed struggle is the only solution to the problems of the Filipino people and the entire exploited class worldwide." Imagine trying to delete a lifetime of convictions! Spoiler alert: it wasn't that easy.

"Di gyud lalim!" [It's really not easy!] she quipped in her speech at one of the many former rebels summits she helped organized in the past year.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡

Transitioning from a life of armed conflict to one of peace wasn't a walk in the park for Ida. "Like most former rebels, the process to move on is a struggle in itself," she admits. "But slowly, I was able to accept it because many people helped me change the way I see things."

Ida’s transformation was not a solo journey but one buoyed by a community of support, not just from old comrades and her family. "The surprising part was realizing there are soldiers, even officers, who actually understand this struggle that former rebels go through," she says.

"Honestly, at first I was afraid that I would regret my surrender," Ida muses. "But soon I realized I can still continue my passion to serve the people in the right way."

𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙊𝙡𝙙 𝙃𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙨

Visiting the communities where she once operated in brought a whirlwind of emotions for Ida. "I felt mixed emotions. At first, I was ashamed, but then I thought, why should I be ashamed? I served honestly when I was still in the NPA." With the wisdom of someone who has seen the world from both sides of the conflict, she shares, "Generally, we (the masses and I) were just happy to be alive and able to see each other. But of course, there were also a few who were initially cold. But that didn't worry me because I knew I didn't do anything bad to them."

One of the most notable changes, albeit small, that Ida observed in these communities? "The roads! The people no longer find it difficult to transport their produce and other necessities." It’s amazing how a bit of infrastructure can turn a community around.

"Also, government services are now able to reach the most remote areas of the countryside. I hope the government continues these positive developments and prioritizes the far-flung areas," she says.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙨

Ida believes former rebels hold untapped potential for nation-building. "First of all, they have intimate knowledge of the situation of the masses, their complaints." She notes that former rebels have always aimed to address the interests of the masses. "Now that they have chosen the path to non-violent struggle and pursue peace, their knowledge must be maximized." The challenge, she says, is overcoming the bias against FRs. "But we've also met more people in the government and the armed forces who know that FRs are not just there to go after the remaining NPA units. More importantly, FRs can become effective and productive elements of nation-building, if given the right opportunities."

When asked what more the government should do for former rebels, Ida doesn’t mince words. "We need more programs so that FRs can financially stand on their own. Politically, the amnesty program should be fast-tracked to help former rebels rejoin society." She stresses that the promises made to former rebels must be fulfilled and that ongoing efforts to involve FRs in the government's peace and development programs should be pursued.

Ida’s journey is not without its lighter moments. "There are still challenges, it's true," she says with a chuckle. "But it's also good that we have organizations like Kalinaw SEMR that genuinely look after the welfare of FRs and empower them to work for peace. And also to not succumb to depression!" Her humor shines through, a beacon of hope for those who have also decided to tread the path she has been on for more than two years now.

From her days as a cadre in the CPP-NPA-NDFP to her current role at Kalinaw SEMR, Ida embodies the spirit of transformation. Her journey is a reminder that owning a new identity, however challenging, is possible and rewarding.