The Philippine Army on Thursday condemned communist rebels for recruiting minors, following the apprehension of a 12-year-old boy carrying ammunitions and cartridge allegedly for use of rebel fighters in Northern Samar.
Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar said the involvement of minors in communist rebellion is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
“Children ages 18 below are prohibited to participate in any hostilities and carrying supplies that could merely put their lives in danger,” Farnacio said.
The official made the statement after government troops apprehended a boy carrying half sack of rice that concealed 20 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunitions, three cartridges 7.62 mm linked for M60 machinegun and two cartridges 5.56 mm linked for K3 machine gun.
Soldiers of the 803rd Infantry Brigade noticed the suspicious content of sacks while conducting security patrol on May 13 in De Tubang village, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar.
After an interview, the boy was turned-over to the Provincial Social Welfare Development for proper custody and was brought to Catarman Provincial Hospital for medical check up, the army said in a statement.
“Let us give our children the chance to grow up while peacefully learning from their youthful experiences and contributing in their own unique ways. NPA should stop recruiting and using minors for their illegal activities,” Farnacio added.
The military believes that the New People’s Army has been recruiting minors in areas with poor road access and high illiteracy rate, capitalizing on their innocence.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/988910
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