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TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – A minor who claimed to have been tempted to join the New People’s Army (NPA) filed a human trafficking complaint against his alleged recruiters.
“Ka Anda” (not her real name) filed the criminal complaint with the Laoang City-based Provincial Prosecutor’s Office with the help of the Philippine National Police in North Samar on Thursday.
“I ordered the NSPPO (North Samar Provincial Police Office) Women’s and Children’s Protection Office to help ‘Ka Anda’ bring charges against the NPA members who recruited him to join the movement,” said the Colonel Arnel Apud, provincial director of the police.
The exact age of the child has not yet been determined as he did not have a birth certificate.
The boy claimed he was tempted to join the NPA after his recruiters promised to send him to school.
But instead of being sent to school, he said he was taken to the mountains and used by rebels to collect money from civilians.
The minor was apprehended during an attack operation carried out by the Reconnaissance Company of the 81st Division of the 8th Infantry Division in Barangay Epaw, Las Navas, North Samar on June 1, 2020.
During the operation, two improvised explosive devices were seized, a .45 caliber pistol, a magazine with six live ammunition and a shoulder bag containing P15,000 in cash.
While in police custody, he disclosed his experiences with the NPA.
”This type of recruitment is alarming. I remind all parents to take care of their children. We cannot allow this type of deceptive NPA recruitment for youth. I urge you to immediately inform the authorities if similar activities occur in your communities, ”Apud said.
/ MUF
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