TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – A minor who claimed he was enticed to join the New People’s Army (NPA) has filed a human trafficking complaint against his alleged recruiters.
“Ka Anda” (not his real name) filed the criminal complaint at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office based in Laoang town with the help of the Philippine National Police in Northern Samar on Thursday.
“I ordered the Women and Children Protection Desk of NSPPO (Northern Samar Police Provincial Office) to assist ‘Ka Anda’ in filing the charges against the NPA members who recruited him to join the movement,” said Col. Arnel Apud, police provincial director.
The minor’s exact age has yet to be determined since he did not have any birth certificate.
The minor claimed he was enticed to join the NPA after his recruiters promised to send him to school.
But instead of being sent to school, he said he was brought to the mountains and was used by the rebels to collect money from civilians.
The minor was apprehended during a strike operation conducted by the 81st Division Reconnaissance Company of the 8th Infantry Division in Barangay Epaw, Las Navas, Northern Samar on June 1, 2020.
Seized during the operation were two improvised explosive devices, a caliber .45 pistol, a magazine with six live ammunition, and a sling bag containing P15,000 cash.
While under police custody, he revealed his experiences with the NPA.
” This kind of recruitment is alarming. I am reminding all parents to watch their children. We cannot allow this kind of deceptive recruitment of NPA to the youth. I urge you to immediately report to the authorities if similar activities occur in your communities,” Apud said.