Army slams NPAs after rescuing five minors during Miag-ao clash

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

“We need not say no more.”

Colonel Marion Sison, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, slammed anew the New People’s Army for the latter’s continued recruitment of minors.

“There’s no better proof to that than rescuing five minors who were in their training ground,” he said.

Sison was referring to the encounter between suspected NPAs and members of the 61st Infantry Battalion that led to the death of one NPA and the capture of 11 others, including the five minors, morning of April 18 at Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Contrary to claims of militant groups, the 301st IB leadership insisted that it was a legitimate encounter with the rebel group.

In fact, one of those captured was alleged NPA member Romeo Esmediana who also uses the aliases Toto, Miller C, and Joy.

All rebel returnees confirmed Esmediana’s identity.

Sison said the arrested rebels were preparing to blend into the community to avoid arrest after the clash.

“They are using minors as their combatants. This is not new to us since we all know that the communist terrorist group is focusing on recruiting minors not only here in Panay but in the whole country, as well,” Sison said.

He also expressed disappointment with the rebels’ actuations.

“Using minors to wage the armed struggle is a serious offense of the NPAs, and it is very alarming,” he said, citing Rule 136 of the International Humanitarian Law which prohibits the recruitment of minors by any armed groups involved in hostilities.

Sison encouraged parents to guide their children and help the Philippine Army put an end to the recruitment activities of the communist-terrorist group that has put minors at risk.