Stop the recruitment of child soldiers

The Philippine government has submitted an updated report of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violations committed by the New People’s Army (NPA). The Armed Forces of the Philippines recorded a total of 1,506 IHL violations by the NPA from 2010 to 2020, including the use of 544 children as child combatants.

Two minors were recently apprehended during a military operation last Oct. 13 in Sitio Karatong, Barangay Tinitian, Roxas. One of them was a pregnant 14-year-old. The perpetrator was none other than their commander. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, the minor received prenatal care and other welfare assistance from local authorities.

The minors were able to complete their short training in self-defense and weapon familiarization. There may be a number of other recruited minors in Roxas based on their statements during the custodial investigation.

Last Oct. 25, the remains of a female 17-year-old NPA member were discovered in Rizal, Palawan. She was identified as Nelyn Dabdab Emon, alias Ka Aldin, who died of infection. According to the victim’s former comrades, Nelyn died because their leaders did not allow her to come down for treatment.

Groups like Gabriela, Kabataan party list, and Karapatan are supposed to defend the rights of these young women, but where are they now? Why are they so silent?

I pray that no more children will face the same fate as these two.

JOHN PAUL B. SANDOVAL
Palawan State University
Brooke’s Point
islandboyJPaul@gmail.com