By Chito Chavez
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned to the highest degree the use of child soldiers by the New People’s Army (NPA) in its armed conflict against the government.
Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)
Last 2 December 2019, NPA soldier Litboy Talja Binongcasan, 16, from Gingoog City was killed during an encounter with the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB).
Binongcasan was in the sixth grade in Sitio Sioan Elementary School in Barangay Malinao Gingoog City.
In denouncing the act, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said “nothing can justify this deplorable practice’’ on “the use of child soldiers in armed conflict’’.
Under the International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, de Guia explained even non-state armed groups must respect the prohibition to recruit and use children in armed conflict and hostilities.
Stressing her point further, de Guia lamented to all armed groups the use of child soldiers constitutes a war crime.
“The utmost welfare and rights of children must be upheld at all times,’’ she added.
De Guia asserted that putting children in the battlefield imperils and endangers their well-being “even if they survive armed encounters, the psychological and mental impact can be lifelong’’.
“Litboy was still in his development years and should be focusing on honing his potentials so he can pursue his goals and dreams but his life was snuffed out and can no longer be taken back,’’ de Guia emphasized.
In condoling with the family of the teenage victim, the CHR has vowed to investigate the case “to bring it to its just resolution’’.