BACOLOD CITY – Two New People’s Army rebels and their companion were arrested by government forces in Sitio Humayan, Barangay Pinowayan, Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental on Thursday, April 25.
TWO New Peoples’s Army rebels and a minor were caught in Barangay Pinowayan, Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental on Thursday, April 25. (79th IB)
Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said the two NPA fighters aged 17 and 21 were remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF). Their 16-year-old companion was their cousin, Javines said.
The 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (Nocpmfc) were conducting joint focused military operations in response to information about the alleged presence of unidentified armed persons in the area when they were captured.
Authorities were monitoring the area when they spotted them attempting to run away from a house. Troops arrested and recovered a KG9, two .45 caliber pistols, two homemade shotguns, and a 12-gauge shotgun from them.
Javines said they were suspected to be involved in shooting incidents in the barangay.
The two minors were placed under the custody of Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station before their turn over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, lamented that the apprehended individuals were minors associated with the NPA.
“Nevertheless, they must be held accountable for the crimes they have committed,” Sison said, adding that their capture will bring justice to the victims of their illicit actions and other atrocities.
The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the NPA denied that the two minors were members as per their and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) rules.
Javines expected the NPA to deny the minors’ membership because employing child warriors is a violation of the IHL.