By Miriam G.Desacada
Borongan City- Army’s 42nd Infantry Batallion on Wednesday ( July 3 2024 ) has rescued a 16 yeard old child warrior at the vicinity of Barangay Jepaco and Can-ilay in Can-Avid Eastern Samar, a military official said.
In a phone interview with Captain Doonie Rey M. Diola Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 42nd IB said that the child combatant was immediately turned over to Can-Avid DSWD for proper rehabilitation and disposition.
The minor who came from an broken family was recruited his relatives and decided to joined the NPA more than a year ago.
” Sa aming pagtatanong sa kanya na nasa maynila ang kanyang mga magulang na hanggang ngayon hindi na niya makita Diola said.
Captain Dillola explained that the child combatant was left by his comrades in the forest of Barangay Can-Ilay prompting him to search for a nearest community to survive.
“This clearly shows that the Communist Terrorist Group is continuously violating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which prohibits the recruitment and use of children in hostilities,” said Brig.Gen.Lenart Lelina, 801st Brigade Commander.
The government troops also seized during the encounter a war materials,as figured in an armed engagement with more or less nine (9) members of SRGU Yakal, SRC Browser, EVRPC at vicinity boundary of Brgy Jepaco and Brgy Can-ilay of Can-avid, Eastern Samar. Operating troops seized war materials that include one (1) caliber .38 revolver, three (3) blasting cap, 76 pieces of ctg 7.62 Ball of M14, three (3) magazines for M14.
LTC RODITO GOTLADERA, 42IB Battalion Commander added that their troops launched a follow on operations that resulted in the rescue of an abandoned CTG minor combatant alias “KA NONOY” and the confiscation of war materials: one (1) M14 rifle, three magazines of M14, two (2) short magazines of M16, sixty (60) rounds CTG 7.62mm ball of M14 ammunition, and one (1) bandolier.
General LELINA, on the otherhand commend the efforts of the operating troops under 42IB for their bravery and unwavering commitment to peace and security in Samar Island. He averred that “the CTGs in Samar Island is employing a desperate tactic that is recruiting minors to advance their violent cause. We call upon responsible parents to look after their children so that they will not become victims of the CTG propaganda.” Meanwhile, the brigade will be coordinating with appropriate government agency for the turn-over of the rescued minor CTG combatant.
The Brigade commander continue to assures the public that efforts will be intensified to eliminate all forms of threats to peace and security in its Area of Operations. They call on the support and cooperation of the local community to provide information that will aid in their operations and prevent CPP/NPA from regaining strenght.