Medialdea slams NPA’s use of child warriors

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea denounced the use of child warriors by rebels, saying this is a “serious threat” to the government’s efforts to protect children from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, and exploitation.

“In various parts of the country, our children and youth are exploited by groups that advance terrorism. Children and youth, mostly from indigenous commu

nities and as young as 11 years old, are trafficked by local armed communists, taken to the hinterlands, and forced to [become] warriors,” he said in his message on International Human Rights Day, Dec. 10.

Medialdea’s remarks came after 16year-old student Litboy Binongcasan, who was used by the New People’s Army (NPA), was killed in a clash with government troops last week in Butuan City.

Medialdea said some children have been rescued by government forces but others became casualties in armed encounters “where they were ordered to participate by their abusers.”

“We are committed to quell this terrorist threat against our children and youth,” he said.

He said the government would fully implement the “Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act” signed by President Duterte early this year.

He said they would also shut down schools, such as the 55 Salugpungan schools in Mindanao found to be training grounds for child warriors. New education facilities will take the place of these schools, he added.

“We are determined that every Filipino must continue to enjoy the fruits of peace, freedom, and progress. But such a resolve can only be fully realized in a society that allows our children and youth to rise as productive movers and future leaders of the country,” he said.

Medialdea also appealed to the youth “lured to terrorism” to return to their families and encouraged them to reclaim their role in nation-building.

“A much better future for the Filipino children and youth, a progressive society where they can thrive and develop their full human potential. This is the vision that rouses the Duterte administration to action,” he said.

The incident was condemned by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as its spokesperson, Jacqueline de Guia, vowed to conduct an investigation on the teen’s death, and the supposed recruitment of minors by the NPA.

“[The boy] was still in his development years and should be focusing on honing his potentials so he can pursue his goals but his life was snuffed out and can no longer be taken back,” De Guia was quoted as saying in a television interview.

Data released by Major General Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID), showed that from January, 2019 to date, at least 63 minor combatants of the NPA, whose age ranges from 12 to 17, have either been killed or surrendered to authorities during armed confrontations in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

Gacal stressed that the NPA was violating the victims’ human rights as recruitment of minors in armed conflict is prohibited under Rule 136 of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Republic Act 11188 or the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict.

Rule 136 of IHL states that “children must not be recruited into armed forces or armed groups” while RA 11188 notes that children in situations of armed conflict shall be protected from all forms of abuse, violence, neglect, cruelty, discrimination and the likes.

“The HR Day celebration is a fitting reminder of the NPA’s persistent violations of human rights and RA 11188. The NPA leadership must be held accountable and must be punished in order to put an end on this cycle of violations,” Gacal said.

Gacal welcomed the decision of the CHR to launch a probe on the Binongcasan’s death and NPA recruitment of minor combatants in Mindanao.

He urged the youths to resist the NPA, and their parents to look after their children so that they wouldn’t be tricked into joining the communist group.

The military official also encouraged the local governments and residents to cooperate with one another in protecting the youths of Mindanao from NPA recruitment.