Army captures 4 suspected NPA rebels, including 2 minors

The Philippine Army on Saturday captured four suspected members of the New Peoples’ Army, two of whom are minors, after a 30-minute gunfight in Valencia, Bukidnon.

According to the Army, the 88th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion captured four suspected members of platoon Bagsik, Guerrilla Front Malayag of the Sub Regional Command 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in Barangay Laligan.

Initial investigation showed that two of the four are minors. They are currently in the care of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Meanwhile, authorities are preparing to file appropriate criminal charges against the other two.

“I strongly deplore the CNTs act of recruiting minors to be combatants. This is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law,”  Lieutenant Colonel Christian James Vingno, commanding officer, said in a statement.

“Once again to the remaining members of NPA terrorist, it's not too late, leave the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law, start a new life and live peacefully with your family,” he added.

The Army said they received information that the rebels were extorting money from the people in the community.

“Nagasalamat ko sa kooperasyon sa katawhang masa pinaagi sa paghatag sa report sa presensya sa armadong NPA nga miresulta sa malampusong operasyon,” he said.

Authorities also retrieved six high-powered firearms. -MDM, GMA News