Alabel, Sarangani Province – Five New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees were received by Sarangani Province Representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao on September 9, 2010. The surrenderees were identified as Mamerto Booc Bartulaba, 50 years old; Felbert U Ontic, 28 years old; Bernard B Matugol 41 years old; Pidring M Mapuno, 38 years old and Benson S Labilon, 30 years old, all from Sarangani Province. They turned themselves in to the Army Troopers of Bravo Company, 73IB doing community outreach in the municipality of Glan in the morning of September 8. They also turned in their firearms which include: one (1) Garrand rifle, one (1) Cal M1 Carbine, one (1) Springfield, one (1) hand grenade and two (2)CAL .38 Pistol.
Relatedly, on August 16, 2010, soldiers from Alpha Company, 73IB rescued a 15-year old minor enjoined by the New People’s Army (NPA) to be a child warrior. He was met by the soldiers while trekking the hills of Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani Province, under orders from his NPA leader to bring-in supplies. Found in his possession was a sack containing ammunitions for a Carbine Rifle and a Cal .45 Pistol. He also yielded 20 pieces of maong Pants, one jacket, one hammock (duyan) and two pocket belts. He revealed that said items will be delivered to members of the NPA holed out in the hinterlands of Alabel, Sarangani bounding Malita, Davao del Sur due to relentless military operations. He admitted being involved in two encounters with 73IB in Jul 2009, and in Feb 2010. According to him, during the February incident, two of his colleagues later died of gunshot wounds.
The five surrenderees are members of the Platoon Mazda, Guerilla Front 71 roaming in the hinterlands of Glan, Malapatan and Alabel all of Sarangani Province. They have been inactive for the past years due to the hardships of constantly fleeing from government troops. According to them, they have felt isolation from the community when soldiers started immersing in the different barangays that have raised the awareness of the villages on the evils of the communists. They themselves realized the futility of rebellion as the government of Sarangani and Glan have been actively reaching out to deliver services.
The rescued minor was accompanied by 73IB Troopers to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Alabel for care and counseling. He was subsequently turned over to his parents subject to conditions that would prevent the minor from going back to his old ways. His parents were not aware that their son has been doing errands for the NPAs.
Under the International Law of Armed Conflict, which the NPAs claim to observe, the use of minors as combatants is prohibited as it exposes these innocent children to the dangers of conflict. Our constitution also protects the rights of these children and gives priority on their education. Unfortunately, the NPA has been taking advantage of laws favoring the youth to evade liability, particularly the Child and Youth Welfare Code of the Philippines that exempts the youth from criminal prosecution.
Congressman Pacquiao, in his statement, reiterated his invitation for all other rebels and armed groups to lay down their arms and join the mainstream as he offered them livelihood assistance. He condemned the NPA for destroying the future of the youths who were enticed to join the rebel organization.
73IB Commander, LTC De Leon, for his part said that Army Troopers will continue to stay with the people in the remote barangays to educate and provide assistance as conduits of the local government in bringing humanitarian assistance.
PSSupt. Florendo Quidilla, Provincial Director of Sarangani said, “This influx of surrenderees in Sarangani Province indicates that the province is really getting rid of insurgents. Those responsible for recruiting minors shall be held liable for child abuse.”
For his part, 1002Bde Deputy Commander, Col Daniel Soriano reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be the partner for promoting peace and development.
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