NPA Leaders Face Charges for Recruiting Minors
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Military officials have ordered charges against communist New People’s Army (NPA) leaders for recruiting minors into their ranks. Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command, took swift action after two child guerrillas were arrested last week in Sultan Kudarat province.
The use of child soldiers remains a grave concern in the region. The arrested minors, identified only by their aliases Digbay, 16, and Mario, 17, were Lumad youths involved in a firefight with government troops on June 19. They sought refuge in Sitio Muagan, Barangay Datu Ito Andong, Kalamansig town, after the encounter.
Local residents reported their presence to the military, leading to their capture on June 21. Nafarrete condemned the recruitment of indigenous children, calling it a “blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law.” He stressed that exploiting children in armed conflict only perpetuates violence and erodes moral boundaries.
Military Response and Legal Action
Following the arrests, Nafarrete directed the Joint Task Force Central, led by Major General Donald M. Gumiran, to file formal charges against the NPA leadership involved in this illegal recruitment. He described the tactic as “inhumane and deceptive,” noting its devastating impact on communities and the stolen futures of young recruits.
The military chief urged communities to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to child recruitment. He emphasized that government forces, working with partner agencies, remain committed to protecting vulnerable populations and ending armed conflict through both law enforcement and peace-building initiatives.
“Our government forces, in partnership with relevant agencies, are committed to protecting vulnerable sectors, especially our youth and ending armed conflict through law enforcement and peace-building efforts,” Nafarrete said.
Protecting the Youth and the Future
The recruitment of minors by armed groups has long been condemned by human rights advocates and government officials alike. Indigenous peoples, particularly Lumad communities, are often targeted due to their marginalization and limited access to social services.
Military and local leaders have called for a stronger community response to prevent further exploitation of children. They remind residents that reporting such recruitment efforts helps safeguard their youth and promotes lasting peace in conflict-affected areas.
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