Kalinaw News: 2 Female Child Warriors Surrender to IP Leader

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website(Jul 5, 2021): 2 Female Child Warriors Surrender to IP Leader (By 60th Infantry "Mediator" Battalion)

Asuncion, Davao Del Norte- Two (2) female child warriors of the New People’s Army have recently surrendered to the Indigenous Peoples tribal leader of Barangay Sabud, Loreto, Agusan del Sur on Saturday (July 3). The surrenderees are then turned over to Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Sarmiento through the 60th Infantry Battalion’s (60IB) Balik-Loob Assistance Center (BLAC).

The two (2) girls initially surrendered to Brgy. Sabud’s tribal leader, Datu Jay-ar Basilisco and Loreto’s municipal tribal chieftain, Datu Arsinio Tawide.

The surrenderees are both members of the Ata Manobo tribe and were members of the Weakened Guerilla Front 3 (WGF 3), under the Sub Regional Committee 4 of South Mindanao Regional Command. Tala is only 16 years old while Angie is 17 years old.

According to Tala, she finished grade 5 level at the Salugpungan Tatano Igkanugon Community Learning Center which is a known institution under the influence (managed/run) by the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA). She was brought to Metro Manila in 2017 and was utilized in CPP-NDF-NPA perpetrated rallies prior to her entry as a regular member of the NPA in 2019. Accordingly, while inside the communist-terrorist group, they were made to study NPA tactics and were taught how to handle firearms. Like Tala, Angie also experienced the same. In 2015, she was also brought to Metro Manila and was also utilized during rallies prior to her entry as a regular NPA member in 2018.

“We can no longer bear the workload and the demands from our group. We were constantly wandering in the mountains and have no source of food aside from the ones we stole from other people’s farms. Aside from that, I know for myself that at my age, I am not supposed to carry a rifle and be part of a senseless purpose. Instead, I should be studying like any other fellow young girl. This is why Angie and I decided to run away from our group and surrender to the military,” Tala stated.

The voluntary surrender is also considered as a result of 60IB’s intensified combat and intelligence operations, Community Support Program, and other community development activities in coordination with the local government unit in the area.

In a statement, 60IB Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Sarmiento said, “The CPP-NPA is nothing but a terrorist. This is but one of the many proofs that they do not only exploit our IPs and the disadvantaged but most especially, they exploit the young and the innocent. This is not only a matter of great concern but also a matter that requires immediate action. Again, the army cannot do it on its own. We need the full cooperation of all local and national government agencies and the community itself. I am calling out especially to the parents to look out after their children and ensure that they are being fed the right information and education so as to prevent them from being misled by groups like the CPP-NPA.”

The surrenderees are now under the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development office of Kapalong, Davao del Norte and have undergone complete physical examination and medical check-up. Coordination and arrangements are also being made for the filing of case against the personalities of WGF 3 for violations of Republic Act 9262 (R.A. 9262) or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act. Later on, they will be enrolled to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program where they may receive livelihood and cash assistance. They will also undergo psychological, social, and economic interventions to ensure that they will be reintegrated in their respective communities efficiently.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-female-child-warriors-surrender-to-ip-leader/