By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the recent surrender of a 17-year-old New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) yesterday slammed the terror group for recruiting minors and using them as combatants.

In a statement by 3ID commander, Major General Dinoh Dolina, he said the NPA has no right to recruit civilians, especially minors. He went on to characterize the rebel group as “not a legitimate armed force, but cold-blooded criminals.”

The 3ID commander pointed out, rebels blatantly violated provisions of RA 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act; in particular, Article X, Section 22, which states: “Children shall not be recruited to become members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines of its civilian units or other armed groups, nor be allowed to take part in the fighting, or used as guides, couriers, or spies.”

Last week, 17-year-old Efren Canumay Mission gave himself up to elements from the 94th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tacpao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Canumay, who was also referred to as ‘Ka Arnel,’ was a member of the NPA Squad 1, Sentro De Grabidad in Central Negros.

When soldiers questioned Canumay, he claimed to be one of the rebels involved in the firefight in Barangay Tacpao last January 19. He also confirmed, during the gun battle, three of his comrades were wounded and forced to leave their personal belongings when they retreated.

Canumay is presently undergoing psychosocial and stress debriefings, while the army has appealed to his comrades to surrender and regain their normal lives./DGB, WDJ