UN monitors 600 minors in rebel armies

A total of 600 child combatants, some as young as eight years old, were monitored in the ranks of various anti-government forces in 2011, the United Nations (UN) reported.

In its June 2012 report, the UN noted the continuing uptrend in the recruitment of child warriors by the communist New People’s Army (NPA), the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The UN said 54 children were recruited as combatants in the ranks of the anti-government forces in 2011, doubling the 2010 count of 24 child recruits.

The UN has also registered a total of 600 child warriors in 2011 among whom some as young as eight were taught to fire weapons, make improvised bombs that kill and maim people.

“The Army condemns the continuous recruitment of child warriors by armed groups in the country,” said Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc.

According to Cabunoc, the Army has so far rescued 10 child warriors being used as combatants by armed groups in Davao Region and three others, ages 10 to 12 years old, in Surigao del Sur. A 14-year-old child warrior was also rescued in Compostela Valley province.

He also cited the arrest of two child warriors, aged 16 and 17 years old, in Quezon province last March 22.

“The 74th IB immediately filed a case against their leader for violating Republic Act 7610 prohibiting the recruitment of child warriors for both the government and rebels,” Cabunoc said.
Sometime in June 2011, the Army rescued three children combatants aged 10 and 12 years old in an encounter in Surigao del Sur. The Army spokesman said the three were ordered to set up a landmine; one was assigned as look out while the other two were tasked to detonate it when the soldiers come.

“The continuing recruitment of child warriors by these armed groups only shows their desperation to augment their dwindling ranks,” Cabunoc said. –Mario J. Mallari, Daily Tribune