NPA still using minors as combatants, says AFP

From Malaya Business Insight (May 24): NPA still using minors as combatants, says AFP

TWO of the three New People’s Army rebels killed by government forces in skirmishes last week at the boundary of Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte provinces are minors, the military said yesterday.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, public affairs officer of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said the presence of the minors in the clashes proves the communists are lying about their supposed non-use of children in their armed struggle.

“They are claiming that they are not using minors in the armed struggle. This proves otherwise. Their act led to the killing of the minors,” said Batchar.

Killed were Marjune Gunay alias Urong, 14, of Laak Compostela Valley; Romel Perez alias Long-long, 17, of Veruela, Agusan del Sur; and Gunay’s cousin Rodel Gunay alias Dodong, 18, also of Veruela town.

The three died in a series of clashes at the boundary of Laak town in Compostela Valley and San Isidro town in Davao del Norte on Wednesday last week.

A soldier, Pfc. Romero Celestial, also died in the fighting.

Officials said soldiers, from the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion, were sent to the area to check information about a large rebel formation. The operation also resulted in the recovery of four rifles, three improvised bombs, a detonating cord and rebel documents.

Batchar said the remains of the slain rebels were claimed last Friday by their relatives who he said provided the age of their slain family members.

“Our challenge to them (communist leaders) is to prove that they are not really employing minors in the armed struggle. They are saying they are not involved and they are for the protection of children’s rights but this incident proves otherwise,” said Batchar.

Batchar also reported that an NPA amazon, part of the rebel group encountered last Wednesday, surrendered to the military.

Batchar said the rebel, one alias Dalia, 18, yielded to troops of the 60th IB last Friday. She was accompanied by several barangay officials during her surrender.

“Dalia revealed that she was part of the ALG (armed lawless group) encountered by government troops on Wednesday. She also revealed that the members of the ALG were consolidating in preparation for the conduct of future atrocities in the area,” said Batchar.

“Dalia also told the police that many in their group were fresh recruits by an alias Blady and his wife alias Avon, who promised them generous monthly allowance upon joining the armed group,” added Batchar.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/npa-still-using-minors-combatants-says-afp