PNP-CIDG files raps vs NPAs for recruiting teen warriors
PHILIPPINE National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Director Major General Eliseo DC Cruz on Tuesday announced the filing of charges against a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Central Mindanao accused of recruiting “teenage warriors” in gross violation of international and local laws.
Charged with violation of Republic Act 10364 and 9851 before the Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Prosecutor’s Office were Felimon Villegas alias “Ka Yoyo”; Manuel Fernandez alias “Ka Ampog/Ka Bobo”; Amboy Gumpay Gantangan alias “Ka Macmac”; Joel Gumpay Gantangan alias “Ka Vic”; Jorge Insel Pugong alias “Ka Lowe”; one alias “Ka Claire”; an alias “Teyoy”; a certain “Ka Rocky”; and one alias “Ka Karding”.
All suspects were identified as members of the West Daguma Command of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 73 based in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.
According to Maj. Gen. Cruz, the CIDG Regional Field Unit 12 filed the criminal charges against the nine suspects in connection with their role in recruiting a 17-year-old male from Sitio New Datal in Bgy. Daguma, Monteverde, Sultan Kudarat.
The teenager, who is now already 22 years old, said in an affidavit that he was recruited into joining the NPA movement by the accused on September 15, 2016, and was promised a monthly salary and help in reclaiming their land.
RA 10364 provides free temporary shelters and other services to victims of trafficking, while RA 9851 penalizes crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide, and other crimes against humanity.
Crimes against humanity refer to specific crimes committed in the context of a large-scale attack targeting civilians and include murder, torture, sexual violence, enslavement, persecution, and enforced disappearance.
Maj. Gen. Cruz said that the criminal charges were filed against the accused in line with their intensified effort to support the government program to stop the recruitment of minors by the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)/NPA and prevent them from being used to fight and help commit atrocities in the countryside for false communist endeavors.
