By Nef Luczon | Philippine News Agency
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A family of three belonging to an indigenous peoples (IP) group who joined the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to the Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) in Bukidnon.
The report was released by the Army, Tuesday (Oct. 5) afternoon, identifying the surrenderers as Man Oloron, 56, an NPA “political guide,” and his wife Nili Salobo, 55, together with their 11-year-old son.
The 88IB’s Alfa Company confiscated from them one carbine rifle, with one magazine, and nine live ammunition at Sitio Malantao, Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando Bukidnon, during their actual surrender on Oct. 4.
Their surrender was the result of the unit’s continued campaign against the communist armed groups in the mountainous areas of Pantaron Mountain Ranges, covering Malaybalay City, San Fernando, and Cabanglasan towns in Bukidnon.
Oloron said they joined the NPA after the communist group promised them a better living condition and a prosperous life.
The couple’s son was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of San Fernando, Bukidnon to undergo an interview and stress debriefing.
Lt. Col. Christian James P. Vingno, 88IB’s Commanding Officer, said the continuous recruitment of children-soldiers and exploitation of IP communities are a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
“The comprehensive conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) and the focused military operation of government troops have been instrumental in the rapid disintegration of the NPA formation. This is a clear indicator that we are near to ending this 52-year of local communist armed conflict,” he said.
The 88IB has already coordinated with the police as it plans to file an IHL violation case against the NPA for recruiting minors.
“I am also calling the attention of all the parents, let us monitor our children from being recruited by the NPAs,” Vigno said.
The Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council has designated the NPA, along with the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the National Democratic Front as terrorist groups. The European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines have also listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization. (PNA) – bny
