Miagao’s top exec condemns NPA recruitment of minors
ILOILO CITY, April 21 (PIA6) — The top local chief executive of the municipality of Miagao, Iloilo strongly condemned the recruitment and training of minors by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) amid the public health threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In a statement posted on the 61st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army social media page, Miagao mayor Dr. Macario Napulan said that he is dismayed by these acts initiated by the NPA and he appealed for the cooperation of the public to address this concern.
“I, being the father of this town was very much saddened by this turn of events and so I strongly condemn the egoistic act of the NPA,” he said.
He urged the Miagaowanons, especially the parents, to take care of their children, in order to protect their future.
“I appeal for community involvement in this crisis situation,” he said, adding that public cooperation will contribute immensely to the effort of the local government unit to address the continuing threat of terrorism and insurgency amid the on-going recruitment activities of NPA in the town.
Meanwhile, 301st Infantry “Bayanihan” Brigade commander Colonel Marlon Sison said that recruitment of minors by any armed groups involved in hostilities is a clear violation of Rule 136 of the International Humanitarian Law.
On April 18, 2020, 11 individuals were arrested, five of whom who are minors were rescued, during an encounter between the Army troops and the terrorists NPA at Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miagao, Iloilo. (JSC/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1039625