News Updates - 29 October 2009 (Thursday)

Rebels recruit minors in war vs gov’t – AFP
By Elena L. Aben
Manila Bulletin – www.mb.com.ph
Thursday, October 29, 2009

The New People’s Army (NPA) continues to use minors as combatants in waging war against the government, in sharp contrast with the group’s pronouncement of adherence to the International Humanitarian Law, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID), said the use of minors as combatants by the NPA is evidenced by the recent surrender of several young rebel fighters to authorities in Davao del Sur.

The 10ID chief said among those who yielded to authorities were Rachel Akaw, alias Kimkim and Sonny Boy Akaw, alias Junjun, both 17; and Nero Akaw, alias Ronel, 19, members of the Local Terrorist Front-51 (LTF-51). The three voluntarily surrendered to elements of 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) led by Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza in Barangay Binaton, Digos City through the efforts of local officials.

The village of Binaton is the site of the gory massacre of 39 Lumads including elderly, women, and children butchered by the NPA 20 years ago on June 25, 1989 inside a church when local terrorists were at their peak.

In Compostela Valley province, another young combatant has surfaced.

Eighteen-year-old Lumad, Inday Amboy, alias Liza surrendered to government troops in the province. She was 16 when she joined the armed underground movement.

Mapagu said the four child warriors were among the number of surrenderees in the NPA ranks in the region during the month, which now total to 24.

Mapagu lauded local officials of Digos in bringing back the minors into the folds of the law but lashed on the terrorists for using minors in combat.

“LGU-AFP partnership and the cooperation of the people has been a great factor in enlightening many of our brothers to going to the right path towards peace. We are hoping that more will surrender in the interest of reconciliation so that we can move forward towards progress,” said Mapagu.

“We appeal to our brothers still up on the mountains not to exploit our youth. These minors must be given books and pens instead of guns and bullets. Take the right step towards peace and lay down your arms so you can avail of the Social Integration Program of the government and live a normal life with your families,” he added.


Reds kill Army soldier
By Alfred P. Dalizon
People’s Journal – www.journal.com.ph
Thursday, October 29, 2009

SUSPECTED New People’s Army hitmen shot dead an Army intelligence agent and wounded two civilians attending a barangay fiesta in Paquibato District, Davao City Sunday.

Police said the victim, Cpl. Orly Pedregosa, died on the spot. Wounded were Jefrrey Labtic and Jolito Antig who were taken to the Davao Medical Center.

Police Regional Office 11 director Chief Supt. Pedro U. Tango said two gunmen suddenly opened fire at the victims in Sitio Crossing, Barangay Malabog. Probers recovered six .45 casings at the scene.