Kid-informer for NPA surrenders to police, Army in North Cotabato

From InterAksyon (Mar 24): Kid-informer for NPA surrenders to police, Army in North Cotabato

A minor allegedly recruited to communist New Peoples Army (NPA) as informer surrendered to police and military authorities over the weekend, the Army here said.

Colonel Nilo Vinluan, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion, identified the minor as a certain "Balong," son of a former militiaman from Valencia City in Bukidnon.

Balong told police and military officials that he was recruited to join the movement in 2011 in Valencia City and was brought to the borders of North Cotabato, Bukidnon, and Davao City.

He voluntarily surrendered to police and military elements in Kidapawan City-Magpet border. He is now under custody of the 57th IB.

Balong told Army and police probers that he feared for his life after the NPAs killed his father, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit.

For the past four years, Balong had been roaming around the communities near Mt. Apo and most of the time was accompanying a female NPA who heads an NPA unit under Front 54.

He identified the lady commander as "Mace."

Balong also told Army and police investigators that there are nine other minors who remain active in the communist movement.

Over the weekend, Balong walked and wandered away from his group in his desire to seek help from anyone because he wanted to live a normal life.

From the remote village of Bantac in Magpet, North Cotabato, Balong kept walking until he reached Barangay Mateo in Kidapawan City, where he was brought to the local police office.

Vinluan said the Army is preparing charges against the NPA for using minors in their armed struggle.

He said the boy will soon be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for custody.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83338/kid-informer-for-npa-surrenders-to-police-army-in-north-cotabato