By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) has condemned anew the recruitment of minors by the New People’s Army following the death of a young fighter in a recent clash in Jiabong, Samar.
In a statement Wednesday, the 8ID said the recruitment of children as combatants is a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.
“The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict is strictly prohibited under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict,” the army stated.
Validation by government troops confirmed that the fatality during the April 17 clash in the mountains of Jiabong was a 17-year-old identified only by the alias “John Paul.”
According to 8ID, military records showed the victim was recruited into the movement in 2022 when he was 13 years old, an age when the 8ID noted he should have been in school and under family protection. Further information indicated that the casualty has an underage cousin, identified as alias “Aldrin,” who remains involved in the armed group.
The 8ID added such acts violate the Geneva Conventions, which provide special protection to children during armed conflict and constitute serious breaches of international law.
“Those who recruit, indoctrinate, and use minors as combatants are committing serious crimes under both international and Philippine law,” the 8ID said.
The 8ID appealed to young individuals who may have been coerced into joining armed groups to surrender and return to their families.
It also urged families, schools, and local government units to remain vigilant in protecting children from recruitment and radicalization. (PNA)
