11-year-old NPA member surrenders

From ABS-CBN (May 10): 11-year-old NPA member surrenders

An alleged 11-year-old member of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the soldiers of the 60th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Barangay Camansa, Asuncion town in Davao del Norte Saturday.

The boy's surrender was assisted by Barangay Camansa chairman Elizabeth Abad.

In an interview, the boy admitted that he has been part of the group for six years, and has been part of six encounters with the military in some parts of Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

He added that he has been ordered by their leader to lay landmines along civilian roads.

The boy said he was a resident of Barangay Don Enrique in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

60th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Roberto Bunagan brought the boy to Asuncion Mayor Joseph Nilo Parrenas and to the municipal police station for documentation and proper disposition.

However, the boy requested that he stay under the care of the soldiers.

Bunagan said they will coordinate and present the boy to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for further documentation and necessary assistance.

"We are already coordinating with concerned local officials in order to locate the parents of the boy," he added.

Three other young NPA members surrendered to the military in the past months.

According to one of the NPA leaders who were earlier arrested by the joint AFP-PNP elements on law enforcement operations, around 22% of their members are minors between the age of six and 18, while around 74% are indigenous people (IPs) or lumads in Eastern Mindanao area.

The boy is the 55th NPA surrenderee for the year.

Recruitment of minors

The NPA's recruitment of minors, harassment and exploitation of civilians, and deception of IPs are gross violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Furthermore, Part IV, Article 10 of the CARHRIHL specially provides that children should not be allowed to take part in hostilities.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) including the CPP-NPA is a signatory to the CARHRIHL but they continue violating human rights and promoting violence including the manufacture and use of landmines.

Meanwhile, Eastern Mindanao Command Commander Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad commended the soldiers of 60th Infantry Battalion for facilitating the snowball of NPA surrenderees, who are minors, in their area.

He further directed Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, the commander of 10th Infantry Division to collaborate with concerned government agencies and other civil society organizations for the necessary intervention and assistance.

Baladad also thanked Asuncion for her concern and helping the boy return to government fold.

"The CARHRIHL provisions must be respected at all times," he said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/10/15/11-year-old-npa-member-surrenders