A CHILD warrior of the New People’s Army has surrendered to the military in Sarangani, adding to the long list of minors used by the communist group in its armed struggle, in violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.
The Armed Forces said it has documented 544 minors who were “used and exploited” by the NPA in its armed struggle from 2010 to 2020 alone. Some of these child warriors were killed during skirmishes with government troops.
The 17-year-old combatant, identified only as alias Bunso, surrendered to the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion in Maitum town on Monday, the Zamboanga City-based AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said.
Bunso, a member of NPA’s Platoon Dabu-Dabu, surrendered along with one alias Mark, 20, a member of the NPA’s Squad Segunda, Guerrilla Front Musa.
The two brought with them an M16 rifle with two magazines and 35 ammunition and a cal. 30 Garand rifle with one clip and four ammunition during their surrender.
“Tired of hiding, two communist terrorist group members laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law,” said Wesmincom spokesman Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan.
The two were presented to the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict under Maitum Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit also on Monday.
Acting Wesmincom commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas urged other rebels to surrender and live a normal live.
“Those who remain in hiding must know that reintegration packages await them,” said Rojas.
“The package includes livelihood and capacity development training and financial assistance, all aimed at providing former rebels and their families social equity and a fair chance to be productive citizens of their respective communities,” added Rojas.
The use of children in the armed conflict is against Philippine laws and the International Humanitarian Law.
