NPA rebel, 12, rescued

CATBALOGAN, Philippines – A 12-year-old boy, alleged to be a member of the New People’s Army (NPA), was rescued by government troops in Northern Samar on Friday.

Soldiers reportedly found the boy in Barangay De Tubang, Silvino Lobos carrying a sack half-filled with rice, weapons and ammunition.

Maj. Gen. Raul Farnacio, 8th Infantry Division commanding officer, said the boy is among 30 children recruited by the NPA in Mapanas and Palapag towns.

Farnacio said the boy was turned over to the provincial office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for debriefing and medical examination.

He said rescue operations for other child combatants of the NPA are underway.