DSWD takes custody of NPA ’child warrior’
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Davao region ( DSWD- 11) yesterday said that it will maintain custody of the alleged ‘child warrior’ wounded and captured after an encounter between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last week in Compostela Valley province.
The 14-year old boy is still recuperating from a gunshot wound in his left leg at the Southern Philippines Medical Center here.
“He is still at risk,” said Pedrita Dimakiling, head of the DSWD- 11 Protective Services Unit during the regular Armed Forces of the Philippines – Philippine National Police ( AFP- PNP) Press Conference on Wednesday here at the Royal Man- daya Hotel.
Dimakiling cited the importance of keeping the minor under the DSWD’s protective shelter and rehabilitation program after treating his gunshot wound.
“There’s still a threat to his life. Right there is no need for him to immediately return home after medications,” she emphasized.
Dimakiling also pointed out that the DSWD has nothing to do with the recent claims of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the NPAs regarding the 14-year old boy.
“The government will be on the side of the child especially on his protection and security,” she said.
The boy, together with another wounded NPA member identified as Ronel Paas alias Dondon were intercepted in a checkpoint mounted by the elements of 46th IB last February 9 after an armed encounter in Barangay Tibagon in Pantukan, Compostela Valley.
Paas, however, was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Pantukan.
In the same press briefing, 10th Infantry ( Agila) Division chief information officer Captain Rhyan Batchar said the army considers the 14- year boy as a child soldier who was used by the NPA rebels in their military and combat operations.
“This conclusion was based on the statement given to us by the boy himself. He told us that he is actively participating in the activities of the NPA rebels in the area,” Batchar stressed. (Alexander D. Lopez)