LIEUTENANT General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander, condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) following the death of a minor recruit during an encounter in Barangay Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on April 21.
“Children should be allowed to play and be children, and that they should get to develop as future responsible and productive citizens of our country,” Madrigal said during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) - Philippine National Police (PNP) Corps Southern Mindanao press briefing on Friday, April 27 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City.
Jhun Mark Acto, 15, was the alleged NPA member who was slain during an encounter. His body was found from a gun battle site last April 21.
Madrigal called out to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - New People’s Army to stop using minors.
“Napakarami na nitong instances in the past, minsan mga bata sa kanilang initial exposure gagawing tagabuhat ng mga gamit, taga-luto. Ginagawang parang mga alalay at mga utusan ng mga regular na myembro ng NPA (Many instances in the past, sometimes the regular members of the NPA use minors for their initial exposure as porters, cook. They are made as aides and helpers),” he added.
He also clarified the misidentification of Acto, who was previously reported as Rondi Ondo, during the identification process.
“Ang pagkuha ng mga pangalan medyo nagkakaroon ng [confusion], eventually ‘yung naka usap na yung magulang, doon na nakuha yung tunay na pangalan (There was (confusion) in getting the name but eventually when we have already talked with the parents that was the time we got his real name),” Madrigal said.
Madrigal, likewise, condemned the use of minors as combatants in conflicts for it is a clear violation of the joint Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Cahrihl) of the government and the Reds.
He said this after a statement by Jay Apiag, Karapatan Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) secretary general, was released denouncing the military’s claim regarding the identity of Acto and insisted that he is not an NPA.
"There is no truth to the military's claim. Their recent allegations are mere proof that they are a factory of fake news, best at churning out lies and writing fiction. To justify their killing of a 15-year-old, the military concocted their usual narrative that the child is an NPA. In so doing, these disgraceful animals have further revealed their true nature -- mercenaries who have no regard for human rights, humanitarian law, or even just an ounce of human decency,” Apiag said in a statement.