2 rescued NPA-recruited minors turned-over to DSWD

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
July 27, 2011

BRGY MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar  –  The troops of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion under the leadership of LtCol Noel A Vestuir has turned-over today the two (2) newly rescued NPA-recruited minors to DSWD in a simple ceremony held at San Isidro municipal hall, San Isidro Northern Samar at 10:00 o’clock in the morning.

Olay, a 16-year old girl, and her younger brother Noynoy were forcibly recruited into the underground movement along with other minors last June 28, 2011 by Alyas Jerome, a regular NPA member operating in the areas of Palanit, Mabuhay, Veriato, Caglanipao Norte all of San Isidro Northern Samar. They were brought to an NPA encampment located in the mountainous area of Barangay Mabuhay where, at their young age, they were indoctrinated with the communist ideology and given series of lectures on Espesyal na Kursong Pan Masa (ESKUM).

While inside the camp, they were not permitted to go home.  They were threatened by the group that if they would inform the military regarding said activities, their family will be killed.  They were scheduled to take their oath as regular member of the New People’s Army last July 2, 2011.  However, the said oath taking ceremony was preempted after the troops of Charlie Company of 20IB, raided the said communist terrorists’ encampment, where Olay and Noynoy were, at Barangay Mabuhay. During the said raid they were able to elude the operating troops. They had a chance to return home after the group of alyas Jerome had splintered to avoid the government troops.

For fear of the group of alyas Jerome, both Olay and Noynoy hid in barangay Palanit.  The memory card from Olay’s cellphone, which was recovered by the troops of Charlie Company of this unit under 1Lt Adrian Philip Publico, identified and confirmed both minors to be new NPA recruits. The unit immediately exerted efforts to find her. Through the efforts of their grandmother, the two kids decided to surface after realizing the danger of continuously hiding from the group of alyas Jerome, Olay surrendered to Lt Publico last July 6, 2011 while his brother Noynoy surfaced last July 11 2011.

Honorable Mayor Conrado Avila handed over an amount of ten thousand pesos each to the two minors as a livelihood assistance fund to help them start a new life. They will also undergo counseling to be provided by the municipal social welfare officer. The mayor also calls on other rebels to lay down their arms. He also emphasized his commitment and willingness to help them start a new life.

The said activity was also attended by Col Oscar Lopez, the Commanding Officer of 803rd Infantry Brigade, who said that he is not surprised to note why the NPA recruit minors. He said that: “Youth are so vulnerable to deception and they easily give in to intimidations. Many of the regular members of the NPA started out as young, from twelve to fourteen years old. Hence, it is definitely the duty of the parents to watch out and guide their children so as to avoid stories like that of Olay and Noynoy”.