In Northern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY – Palapag town Mayor Florence “Fawa” Batula Jr. has called on parents to prevent their children from being used in armed conflicts.
This plea came during a press conference on July 24, following the turnover of three minors by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Balay Darangpan of the Northern Samar provincial government to their relatives.
Mayor Batula, who leads the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), witnessed the turnover of three minors rescued by military personnel from the 74th Infantry Battalion on June 3.
The rescue occurred after an exchange of fire between government forces and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the village of Osmeña in Palapag.
The minors, including two 14-year-old boys and one 13-year-old boy, were initially brought to the Palapag Municipal Police Station by military personnel, accompanied by a representative from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).
Due to the lack of facilities in Palapag, the children were then taken to Balay Darangpan in Catarman.
In interviews after their rescue, the children admitted that their parents and some relatives are NPA members. They were tasked with delivering food and other essentials to the communist group.
“As parents, let’s not allow our minor children to be used as instruments to deceive the government. It is not a good role model for children to be involved in rebel group activities,” Mayor Batula said.
He added that using children as couriers or for any tasks linked with insurgency should not be tolerated and must be discouraged.
“This should be stopped, and if people know of parents engaging in these practices, they should be reported because we have a law, Republic Act 11188, that protects children,” Batula emphasized.
The mayor also appealed to residents of Palapag who are still active members of the communist group to surrender and take advantage of the support and programs available for former rebels.
“There is still a chance. It’s not too late, and the door of MTF-ELCAC is open because we value lives. What’s important is for you to be with your family living a decent life,” he added.
Interested individuals can coordinate with barangay officials, the town police station, the military, or town officials.
During the turnover ceremony attended by officials from the 74th IB, Palapag Municipal Police Station, and the Department of Education, DSWD and Balay Darangpan personnel shared that the children received several interventions, including medical and dental check-ups, personal hygiene care education, individual and group counseling sessions, and psychiatric evaluations.
The rescued minors will also receive educational support.
“Mike” will be enrolled in Grade 7, while “Julian,” who has reached Grade 1, and “Justin,” who has reached Grade 2, will be enrolled in the Alternative Learning System program.
The families of the three minors will receive assistance from the social welfare agency, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), enrollment in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and other financial assistance.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
