Makilala, Cotabato- A minor and two (2) other NPA regular members voluntarily surrendered to the RCSP team of the 39th Infantry Battalion thru the collaborative efforts of the Brgy officials of Bacung, Tulunan, Cotabato last April 24, 2020.
The minor was identified as alias BEBE, 16 yrs old, female, a resident of So Bilaan, Brgy Kanibang, Tulunan. She surrendered along with a certain alias Alex, 47 yrs old, male; and a certain alias PAO, 19 yrs old, female. Both persons are residents of Brgy Bacung, Tulunan, Cotabato.
During the interview with alias BEBE, she revealed that most of the NPAs she encountered inside the movement were minors like her. In addition, she received teachings that basically were radicalism and anti-government. She also disclosed that a certain alias ARSI, 13 yrs of age, was the youngest NPA Fighter in the unit. Apparently, the latter joined the movement when he was 10 yrs old.
“I want to be with my family. I was blinded by the false promises of NPA that they will support my family. In reality, they only use us as fighters for their propagandas” alias ALEX said.
”We ramble the mountains every day just to hide from the community and from the government forces and it was so tough. We experienced sickness due to lack of food and rest. They were very strict in everything we do and limitations were heavily imposed. The hardships we are experiencing while with the NPA is twice harder compared when we were in the lowland” @ BEBE and @ PAO emotionally said.
“This latest surrender is a proof that we can achieve peace without firing a single shot. As an assessment, the group is now suffering from diminishing support from the masses. The NPAs activity is a clear violation of Human Rights, Child and Youth Welfare Code, and Republic Act 9262 as continuously recruiting minors as fighters and taking advantage of their weaknesses. The collaborative efforts of LGUs, AFP, PNP, and former rebels are a clear manifestation that it is an effective way of convincing the NPAs to surrender. We urge the members of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to surrender and avail the government’s program of reintegration while there is still a chance. A better and peaceful life with your families awaits you”. Lt Col Carandang lauded.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
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