PHL Army condemns CPP-NPA's recruitment of child soldiers

The Philippine Army on Saturday condemned the  Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army for recruiting minors as combatants and Militia ng Bayan members in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions.

“The presence of NPA child warriors is very alarming and everybody must take urgent action to stop the recruitment of our school children," 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal said in a statement.

"It is a clear violation of Rule 136 of the [International Humanitarian Law] which prohibits the recruitment of minors by any armed groups involved in hostilities. I urge everyone, especially the parents, to take care of your children and together let us protect their future, our future generation,” Gacal added. 

According to the military, 29th Infantry Batallion soldiers wounded and rescued 19-year-old Rex Antonio during an encounter in the hinterlands of Barangay San Isidro, Santiago in Agusan del Norte on November 2.

He was allegedly recruited by the NPA when he was 17 years old.

Sandra Monsalao Mandahinog, a former NPA squad medic, was recruited when she was 14 years old. She surrendered on March 23 at 17 years old.

A former rebel, alias Bradex, was recruited by the NPA when he was only 12 years old and was used as a courier until he became a full-time combatant at 16. Bradex surrendered in 2018. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News