Northern Samar town condemns NPA's recruitment of minors

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2024): Northern Samar town condemns NPA's recruitment of minors (By Roel Amazona)

RESCUED. Some of the young recruits of the New People's Army (NPA), including three minors after their rescue on June 3, 2024 in Palapag, Northern Samar. The local government of Palapag urged parents not to allow their children to be recruited by the NPA. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion)

TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Palapag, Northern Samar, has urged parents not to allow their children to be recruited by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Palapag Mayor Florence Batula made the appeal a few days after the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) turned over three minors to their families after being recruited by the NPA.

Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion rescued the minors after a clash with rebels in Osmeña village in Palapag town on June 3.

The two 14-year-old boys and one 13-year-old boy were brought by the military to the personnel of the Palapag municipal police station and municipal social welfare and development office after their rescue.

When interviewed, the three minors admitted that their parents and some of their relatives are NPA members and supporters. Their task is to deliver food and other essentials to the communist group.

“As parents, let's not allow our minor children to be used as instruments to deceive the government. It is not a good role model for children that we include (them) in the activities of rebel groups,” Batula said in a phone interview Tuesday.

She said the practice of using children as food couriers or any task that is linked with insurgency operations should not be tolerated, but should rather be discouraged.

“This should be stopped, and if people know that there are parents who are engaging in these practices, they should be reported because we have a law that protects children,” Batula added.

The local government also appealed to residents of Palapag who are still active members of the communist group to surrender and grab the opportunity to avail themselves of support and programs implemented by the government intended for former rebels.

The rescued minors will also receive educational support. Alias “Mike” will be enrolled in Grade 7, while alias “Julian” and "Justin,” who were in Grades 1 and 2, respectively, will be enrolled in the Alternative Learning System program.

The family of the three minors will also receive assistance from the social welfare agency, such as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and other financial assistance.

Personnel from the local social welfare and development office also clarified that the minors were brought to Balay Darangpan, located in Catarman town due to the absence of facilities in Palapag to cater to the needs of the rescued children.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230040