From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 20, 2019): Army condemns NPA recruitment as another minor dies in encounter (By 58th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)
CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental, Dec. 20 -- LtCol. Roy Anthony O. Derilo, commanding officer of 58th Infantry Battalion expressed grief and sympathies to the family and friends of the slain 17-year old member of the New People's Army (NPA) who died in an encounter this week.
"We will give him respect and decent preparation for his burial and deliver him to his family," Derilo said while condemning NPA's exploitation of youth. "Our children belong in schools, with their classmates and friends and not in the company of armed men. Give them a chance to achieve their aspirations and be successful in life," he added.
On December 19, troops from the 58th Infantry Battalion encountered about five NPA members under the platoon PPH, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) in an inhabited hinter area of Mt. Balatukan in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental
The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes after which the enemies scampered towards different directions.
The troops seized the dead body of the minor combatant along with one caliber .45 pistol, one improvised explosive device (IED), 100 meters wire, three blasting cap, one cellphone, and assorted personal belongings.
The dead body was dentified by former rebels who are also his relatives as alias Rogie, from So Lantad, Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag, a member of the Platoon PPH, SRC1, NCMRC.
Alias Mesay, a former NPA political instructor, said alias Rogie was recruited two years ago at So Kamansi, Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag when he was still 15 years old.
It can be recalled that on November 30, 2019, an NPA minor was also killed in Agusan Norte. The International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Act which prohibits the recruitment of minors as child warriors. Rule 136 of the law states that "Children must not be recruited into the armed forces or armed groups" which was again violated by the heartless NPA recruiting minors. (58th IB)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031868
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