Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat — June 23, 2025 — The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) has vowed legal action against individuals responsible for recruiting minors into the New People’s Army (NPA), following the recent capture of two injured child combatants during military operations in Sultan Kudarat.
The minors, aged 16 and 17, were apprehended during a follow-up military operation on June 21, 2025, in Sitio Muagan, Barangay Datu Ito Andong, Kalamansig. The operation was conducted by Alpha Company of the 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB), under the leadership of Lt. Col. Christopher Capuyan, based on intelligence from local residents after a firefight erupted between soldiers and communist rebels on June 19.
The two minors—identified only by their aliases, Digbay and Mario—were left behind by retreating rebel forces. Digbay sustained a gunshot wound to the right leg, while Mario suffered a spinal injury. They received initial medical treatment at the Kalamansig Rural Health Unit and were later transferred to Camp Siongco Station Hospital for further care.
Soldiers also recovered an M16 rifle and three magazines from the site.
WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete condemned the NPA’s continued use of child fighters, labeling it a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law.
“The employment of child warriors is a blatant violation of international laws. It perpetuates violence by normalizing the exploitation of the young and blurring moral boundaries in conflict zones,” Lt. Gen. Nafarrete said. “I have ordered Joint Task Force (JTF) Central to urgently file charges against those involved in this exploitation and bring them to justice.”
He also denounced the targeting of Indigenous Peoples (IP) youth for recruitment, calling it a “deceptive and inhumane tactic” that disrupts communities and robs children of their future.
WestMinCom urged the public to remain alert and report any signs of child recruitment or suspicious activities involving the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable sectors, particularly the youth, through a combination of law enforcement operations and peace-building efforts in coordination with other government agencies.