MANILA, Philippines - A group whose advocacy is children's welfare on Thursday is now calling on the government to release two teenage boys who were arrested by military in
Jacquelyn Ruiz, executive director of the Children's Rehabilitation Center, said their group along with human rights group Karapatan are now working on the immediate release of the 17-year-old and the 16-year-old Lumads of the Agusanon tribe.
"They have been both indicted for attempted murder and have been turned over to a DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) facility in the area. Nakikipagugnayan na kami para palayain sila. Hindi dapat silang ikulong," Ruiz said during the media briefing of women's group Gabriela and Center for Women's Resources.
Based on the reports reaching Karapatan chapter in Manila, last July 22, the two teenagers, along with two others, were onboard a motorcycle on their way to Brgy. Poblacion to register for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections when they were stopped by soldiers.
The soldiers, along with para-military Bagani troops, lined up the four, two of whom were identified by Bagani leader Jun Uson as NPAs and the ones responsible for the attack on government troops earlier.
Karapatan said the four teenagers were brought to the Kauswagan barangay hall where they were interrogated and detained.
However, the other two teenagers later were released while the remaining two were brought to Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur for inquest, the group said.