PLACER, Surigao del Norte — For years, Nora Antong lived in uncertainty—torn between her role as a mother and as a medic for the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Guerilla Front 21. But on November 7, 2025, she finally chose family over ideology.
Nora, known by her comrades as “Maymay,” surrendered to the 48th Infantry Battalion (48IB) in Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, along with her son, Jundel Antong, alias “Jazz,” a member of the dismantled Guerilla Front 19, and fellow rebel Jocelyn Perez, alias “Janice.” Their surrender was made possible through the cooperation of barangay officials and residents of Sitio Yumbagan, Barangay Sto. Niño, Bayugan City—the place they once called home but had long been estranged from.
Receiving them was Lt. Col. Kenny Rae Tizon, Commanding Officer of the 48IB, who lauded their courage in choosing a peaceful path. “Communist ideology only divides families and leaves them in despair,” he said. “Nora’s decision to surrender and rebuild her family is deeply meaningful. We will continue our efforts to persuade other remaining members to do the same.”
But for Nora, peace remains incomplete. One of her sons, Jexter Antong—known in the underground movement as “Marmar”—is still active within the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). Despite this, she clings to hope that he, too, will come home, especially with Christmas drawing near.
“I just want my family to be whole again,” she shared tearfully during the debriefing. Nora revealed how the CTGs preyed on their poverty, luring her and her children into the armed struggle with promises of support and belonging. “They took advantage of our situation. I believed that joining would help us survive, but it only brought pain and separation.”
Colonel Manuel Darius Resuello, Acting Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, commended the efforts of the 48IB, local government units, and community members in facilitating the surrender. “This shows that our collective peace efforts are bearing fruit. Every rebel who returns is a step closer to lasting peace in Agusan del Sur,” he said, emphasizing the brigade’s goal to finally dismantle remaining CTG units in the province.
The 48IB, an organic unit of the 7th Infantry Division based in Central Luzon, has been deployed to Eastern Mindanao to strengthen internal security operations. Under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade and 4th Infantry Division, the battalion continues to secure the municipalities of Sibagat and Bayugan City against insurgent remnants.
For Nora, however, the battle now is no longer fought in the mountains—but within her heart. Her story stands as a testament that peace begins with a single choice: the courage to come home.