The Philippine Army condemned the alleged use of a minor as a combatant by a Communist Terrorist Group following an encounter in Jiabong, Samar that left a 17-year-old fighter dead, calling it a “grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) identified the fatality only as alias “John Paul” and said he had been recruited in 2022 at the age of 13, stressing that the teenager should have been “protected, educated, and nurtured” instead of being drawn into armed conflict.
The division also noted that the victim’s cousin, alias “Aldrin,” is also a minor and remains involved in the armed movement, underscoring what it described as a continuing pattern of youth recruitment.
“The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict is strictly prohibited under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and its Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC), which explicitly forbids the recruitment and use of persons below 18 years of age in hostilities,” the Army said.
Officials said such actions also violate the Geneva Convention and Philippine laws, including Republic Act No. 11188, or the “Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict,” and Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination), which protect children from abuse, exploitation, and involvement in armed conflict.
“Let it be clear that those who recruit, indoctrinate, and use minors as combatants are committing serious crimes under both international and Philippine law. These acts are punishable, and those responsible will be held accountable,” the Army added.
The 8th Infantry Division expressed condolences to the victim’s family, saying “the death of a child in armed conflict is both tragic and indefensible.” It emphasized that “no cause, no ideology, and no grievance can ever justify the sacrifice of children in armed struggle.”
Authorities urged remaining youth involved in the insurgency to surrender, saying, “Lay down your arms and return to your families. The government stands ready to help you reintegrate, continue your education, and rebuild your future in peace and dignity.”
The military also called on communities, schools, and local governments to help prevent further recruitment, warning handlers and recruiters to “stop this unlawful and immoral practice” and surrender before facing legal consequences.
The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting children’s welfare, upholding human rights, and holding accountable those responsible for exploiting minors in armed conflict.