A handwritten journal recovered after a deadly encounter between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) fighters in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro last week offered a rare and unfiltered look into the life inside the armed group, the military said.

In a statement late Saturday, April 4, the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) said the notebook, believed to belong to Charlize Cameron “Ka Kaye” Garzon, an alleged rebel captured by the troops, was among items seized by the troops during the March 29 encounter in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro.

The encounter killed Captain Dean Buen Oyando and wounded two other soldiers.

“The entries recovered from the encounter site provide a clearer picture of involvement within the organization. The writings describe operational procedures, experiences within the group, and even ideological reflections, which strongly contradict attempts to portray them as just someone merely observing or conducting cultural work,” said 2ID spokesperson Colonel Michael Aquino.

According to the military, the journal contained detailed notes on the NPA’s structure and also outlined internal roles and functions within the group.

The entries described tactics and procedures as well as instructions on how to maneuver during operations and what to do during armed encounters or in case of arrest, it added.

One directive stood out and it was that members were told to deny involvement if captured, the military noted.

Interwoven with the notes were personal accounts of daily life in the mountains. Garzon allegedly wrote about meals and routine activities, and described the first time she supposedly carried a rifle, where she also expressed fear of combat.

Some entries reflected exhaustion, and Garzon also allegedly wrote about missing city comforts. One note mentioned wanting to leave the mountains after long periods without a proper bath.

The journal also documented a March 24 encounter in Sitio Danlog, Barangay Monteclaro, also in San Jose town, where the entry read: “Walang martsa o rali na makakapaghanda sayo sa lakaran sa bundok (No march or rally can prepare you for trekking in the mountains),” the military detailed.

Further, the military said that the writings appeared to reflect the process of recruiting members of the armed struggle from various sectors, including the youth.

In one passage, Garzon allegedly assessed the weaknesses in their activities: “Kailangan natin pataasin ang rebolusyonaryong inisyatiba natin (We need to raise our revolutionary initiative).”

The notebook also contained sketches, including drawings of personal belongings and maps of temporary camps. The maps showed sleeping quarters, kitchen areas, and other sections. They illustrated how units moved and set up makeshift encampments.

Aquino said the materials provide insight into how new members are absorbed into the movement.

“The details contained in the notebook reflect aspects of life and activities within the armed group that are difficult to dispute. These materials speak for themselves,” he stated.

Garzon was captured a few meters from where Oyando fell and she now faces a murder charge in connection with the incident.

Despite the circumstances, troops provided her first aid at the scene and she was later brought in for medical treatment while under government custody.

Aside from the journal, recovered from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, a hand grenade, improvised explosive device (IED) components, and other personal belongings of Garzon.

Meanwhile, the mother of Garzon called out the military for releasing her photos during a recent visit.

In a social media post, Mayi Garzon accused the troops of violating the Data Privacy Act when the 203rd Infantry Brigade and 2ID released her daughter’s photos showing she was being subjected to a psychological examination, reading a Bible, and interacting with the troops.

“Sa first page ng logbook ko, I highlighted Republic Act 10173 also known as The Data Privacy Act of 2012 kaya alam na alam ko!! (On the first page of my logbook, I highlighted Republic Act 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, so I know it very well!!),” a post on her Facebook account read.

The Manila Bulletin reached out to the Garzon matriarch about the journal supposedly owned by her daughter, and will publish her side once available.

Garzon’s family and friends also denied she was a rebel and insisted she was a “cultural worker” and an activist.

Earlier, human rights group Karapatan demanded Garzon’s release from the custody of the military, saying her arrest was “illegal.” But the 2ID said Garzon was a primary suspect in the death of Captain Oyando and wounding of two other troopers.