Ka Cloud and Ka Malen joined a New People’s Army (NPA) unit in Southern Tagalog for one month as part of their “tour of duty” or TOD. The “TOD,” integration or immersion program is designed for the members of revolutionary mass organizations and Party members from urban areas to be exposed to the NPA to gain concrete experience in armed revolution.

Ka Cloud and Ka Malen came from the petty-bourgeois class. They are not used to life in the mountains. They often struggled, especially with trecking, but still happily dared to adapt to the army’s way of life. They joined in traversing steep and slippery terrain, in mass work, military training and performing technical tasks.

For Ka Cloud, the Red fighters he lived with were the best people he had ever known. He witnessed the fighters’ determination amid many challenges of guerrilla life. He saw the commitment of the Red army in adhering to the rectification movement and overcoming weaknesses.

While integrated, Ka Cloud trained as a logistics officer. It became his responsibility to inventory supplies, operate the kitchen and ensure the unit’s meals. Early in the morning, Ka Cloud’s “Good morning, comrades!” would be heard in the kitchen.

Ka Malen was deeply grateful for the comrades’ support and understanding of her difficulties in adapting to life in the guerrilla front. She trained as a political guide for her formation. Here she saw the milieu of ideological struggle and criticism among comrades in the spirit of the rectification movement. She saw the comrades’ mutual support.

On the day of the two’s departure, the unit held a discussion over coffee to assess their integration with the army. Their stay was short but both of them and the Red fighters who hosted them drew many lessons and inspiration. The two promised that upon their return to any guerrilla front, they would bring along other youth.

The experience of Ka Cloud and Ka Malen proves that skill inadequacy does not hinder urban revolutionaries to become Red fighters. Guerrilla fronts are waiting and Red fighters are ready to train urban youth who endeavor to join the people’s army.