IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, Nov. 18 - A child combatant of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered at the Headquarters of 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Impasugong, Bukidnon over the weekend.
The 16-year-old combatant known as alias Bulaw was identified as a member of the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Command.
He brought with him his M1 Carbine firearm and a hand grenade.
In an interview, Bulaw shared how he was recruited by the NPA terrorists at his young age. “The NPA recruiter told me that they want to educate me on my rights as a student but they didn’t allow me to go back home, I was told that I will be killed if I try to escape.”
He also added that the NPA told him not to worry about his family as they will be given monthly financial and rice assistance by the NPA.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th IB once again condemned the child recruitment of the NPA.
“We will not tolerate this violation of the NPA, we will file cases to those who forcibly recruited him. This kid should go to school and not on war,” he said.
Bulaw was the fourth NPA child combatant who surrendered to the 8th IB.
He will be endorsed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for counseling.
His parents were already notified of his whereabouts. He was also informed about the benefits he will get under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.
His surrender was made possible through the negotiation of the IP soldiers in the area. (8th IB, PA)
Source: 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030308
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