‘NPA in Ilocos Sur using child warriors’

STA. CRUZ, Ilocos Sur, Philippines — Communist guerrillas in Ilocos Sur are using child warriors, the military has learned.

Lt. Col. Julio Osias, 81st Infantry Battalion commander, said some New People’s Army rebels who recently surrendered told them that many NPA combatants are as young as 16.

“We are tracking…these minors so that their respective families will be made aware...They could help the government in persuading their kin to leave the armed struggle,” Osias said.

Maj. Gen. Angelito de Leon, 7th Infantry Division commander, said recruiting minors to join the armed struggle violates Republic Act 7610 or the law providing for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination, as well as the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

De Leon vowed to strengthen intelligence gathering and civil-military operations to engage the youth in a more meaningful life through various development activities.