Reynaldo O. Garcia

Ka Rey was born on February 26, 1963 in Samar. His father is from Aklan while his mother is a native of Catbalogan, Samar.

Ka Rey grew up in Manila, studying first at Pandacan Elementary School and then at the Manuel Roxas High School. Upon graduation, he took up a 2-year course in electronics at the Guzman Institute of Technology in Manila.

While still in 3rd year high schol, Ka Rey became involved in activism, starting with boycott activities in their school. Later he joined a youth organization called KADENA (or, Kabataan Para Sa Demokrasya at Nasyonalismo) where he spent most of his time in community organizing.

In 1981, he was arrested by elements of the Manila Western Police District in Sta. Ana together with six of his friends. He was heavily tortured. He was charged with rebellion and illegal possession of firearms.

He was released on bail and immediately rejoined his comrades in urban poor organizing. Later he joined the New People's Army, became a member of the security force attached to the NDFP negotiating panel in the failed peace talks in 1987 during Aquino's regime. A few months later, on March 28, 1987, he was abducted in San Juan and has not been heard of since then. He has a brother named Benjamin who was salvaged in 1987.

Ka Rey left a widow, Emily (who is the current Secretary General of Desaparesidos) and a daughter named Juliet.

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