Wednesday, November 05, 2008 14-year-old rebel arrested in North Cotabato
THE military arrested a 14-year-old combatant of the New People's Army (NPA) along with his 18-year-old comrade in a gun battle with the rebels in Tulunan, North Cotabato, Monday.
Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Randolph Cabangbang identified the rebels as Alex Tamles, 18 years old, and alias Richard (true name withheld for being a minor), 14. Both young recruits are residents of Maclang, Bulol Bacong in Tulunan town.
Elements of the Philippine Army's 57th Infantry Battalion encountered about 30 NPA rebels at Sitio Talahek, Barangay Bacong around 11 a.m. of November 3. The firefight lasted for three hours with four warplanes providing support for the government troops.
One Private First Class Ramil Flores was wounded in the encounter and has been airlifted to a military hospital.
Meanwhile, the two young rebel recruits are undergoing tactical interrogation at the 57th IB headquarters in Makilala. (BOT)
