CPP-NPA using 544 child warriors vs gov't since 2010, military tells UN

NO TO PHASE-OUT – Operators and drivers opposed to the phase-out of traditional jeepney under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) stage a protest caravan along Taft Avenue on Bonifacio Day, Monday, November 30. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have said they will continue with the PUVMP during the pandemic, despite the protests mounted by various transport groups. (Jansen Romero)

- AARON B. RECUENCO

At least 544 child warriors have been recruited and used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in its armed struggle against the government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in its complaint to the United Nations (UN).

Col. Alejando Nacnac, 7 head of the AFP-Human Rights Office (HRO), said they have already provided the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator the list of child warriors allegedly deployed by the NPA. The list was compiled since 2010.

“The number is expected to rise as several military units continue to conduct inquiry on the matter,” he added.

The official said copies of the report have been furnished to UNICEF and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for immediate action as part of the effort to protect children from child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

He said the same report has already been submitted to the Philippines’ Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to seek appropriate action.