Philippines -An Eleven year old boy identified as Michael Gabriel surrendered to the Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division in Brgy. Camansa Asuncion, Davao del Norte Last May 9 2015 the 11 year old boy was assisted by Brgy Chairman of the said Area
Michael Said that he was used by the New Peoples Army (NPA) bandits for six years and had experienced not More than six encounters with the Government forces in some parts of Davao oriental and Davao Del Norte
He further revealed that he was a resident of Mati City, Davao Oriental.
Lt. Col. Roberto Bunagan of 60th Infantry Battalion Commander immediately presented The former Npa Bandit to Asuncion Mayor Joseph Nilo Parrenas and to the Municipal Police station for documentation and proper disposition.
Michael also requested the Mayor that he stay under the of soldier of 60th Infantry Battalion But Lt. Col. Bunagan said that he will present Michael to DSWD for further documentation and necessary assistance. “We are already coordinating with concerned local officials in order to locate the parents of Michael.
The NPA’s recruitment of minors; harassment and exploitation of civilians; and deception of IPs or lumad are gross violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
Further, Part IV, Article 10 of the CARHRIHL specially provides that children should not be allowed to take part in hostilities.
(PIO-EASTMINCOM)
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