The Philippine Army’s (PA) leadership over the weekend strongly condemned the continued recruitment of young members of indigenous peoples (IP) groups by the New People’s Army (NPA) to use as fighters in their war against the government.
This came after troops of the 6th Infantry Division captured two underage NPA members following an encounter in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.
The IP youths, identified by their aliases “Digbay” (16 years old) and “Mario” (17 years old), were injured after a firefight with soldiers of the 37th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Muagan, Barangay Datu Ito Andong, Kalamansig on Saturday.
Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Christopherson Capuyan, said the two were part of a group that had been clashing with government forces for several days.
The encounter resulted in the death of one soldier and three NPA members, including two high-ranking rebel commanders.
Recovered from the two, whom the Army referred to as “young victims of misguided ideology,” were an M16 rifle and three magazines.
The minors received immediate medical attention at a public hospital before being transferred to Camp Siongco Station Hospital for further care, Capuyan said.
Meanwhile, brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Michael Santos said, “We are deeply concerned about the ongoing exploitation of innocent and impressionable youth by terrorist groups. They are not only stealing these children’s futures but also the hope of our nation. As defenders of the people, we will not allow this to continue.”
