Use of child combatants condemned

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Army has condemned the alleged recruitment and use of minors by the New People’s Army following a recent encounter in Samar that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old fighter.

The 8th Infantry Division said the victim, identified as “John Paul,” was recruited at age 13 and was killed during a clash in Jiabong, Samar on 17 April. Another minor reportedly remains involved in armed activity.