Davao rebel slain in clash a minor

MANILA, Philippines - One of the communist rebels killed in an encounter last Aug. 26 in Davao City was a minor, the military said yesterday.

Maj. Jacob Obligado, chief of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, identified the slain minor as Sammer Dayag, 17, of Barangay Lampianao in Calinan, Davao City.

Obligado said Dayag was recruited by the New People’s Army in 2009, in violation of Republic Act 7610, a law protecting children against abuse.