Pregnant NPA Political Instructor Seeks Government Help After Tagum Shooting

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — A pregnant NPA political instructor who had decided to leave the armed movement sought government assistance after she was shot in Tagum City on September 19. She was identified as Arnida Cuaton Manguinguilid, also known by the aliases Lovie, Tikong and Yassie.

Manguinguilid said she decided to leave the movement in August because of the risks of life in hiding and her desire to live peacefully with her child. She also sought medical care in connection with her pregnancy.

Government authorities identified her as a political instructor of the NPA’s Regional Operations Command–Far South Mindanao Region and said she also served as a medic. After the shooting, she was taken to a hospital in South Cotabato and placed under government security.

Authorities said Manguinguilid was shot by a fellow NPA member after her decision to leave the movement became known. Despite her injuries, she managed to reach a safe area and subsequently received assistance from government authorities.

The NDF-Far Southern Mindanao Region has disputed the account, saying Manguinguilid was instead shot by government forces while on medical leave in Tagum City. In a statement published October 1, the group said she had been in the city for medical care and was subsequently arrested by state forces.

An earlier police report on the September 19 shooting described the victim only as a pregnant woman using the alias “Jannah” and said she was shot by an unidentified gunman near a boarding house in Barangay Magugpo East. Police said the circumstances and motive were still under investigation at the time.

Manguinguilid is currently receiving medical care in South Cotabato, while authorities are preparing documents for her formal surrender and reintegration into civilian life.