BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has slammed anew the continued exploitation of minors by the New People’s Army in Negros Island as child warriors.
Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, cited the confession of a 15-year-old, who admitted to be among those participated in recent armed clashes with the 94th Infantry Battalion in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Arevalo said that the minor, only known through his alias as RR, surrendered to the 94IB on October 4, accompanied by his mother.
He added that the minor confessed that he is a member of Squad 1, Sentro De Grabidad Platoon of Central Negros Front 2.
The twin encounters in Brgys. Carabalan and Buenavista, all in Himamaylan City, led to the recovery of two high-powered firearms, including M16 and M14 assault rifles, two fragmentation grenades, two hand-held radio sets with chargers, assorted ammunition, subversive documents and personal belongings left behind by the fleeing rebels.
A temporary rebel camp was also seized by 94IB soldiers.
Arevalo said that the CPP-NPA in Negros Island are destroying the future of minors they are recruiting, by molding them into combatants to cast terrorism and fight against the government.
This devious and inhumane act is a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law,” he added. Arevalo called on Negrenses, especially the parents, to guide and protect their children from the deceitful recruitment maneuver of the local terrorist group.*
