CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – A child warrior of the New People’s Army (NPA), who was rescued and treated by government troops, died on Monday night, police reported Wednesday.
The minor identified as “Ka Marjun” was wounded during a five-minute gunfight between the rebels and the government security forces in the hinterland area of San Luis town, Agusan del Sur, on May 16.
According to Caraga Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) Regional director Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., recruiting child warriors has been the trade of the NPA in the region.
“We are saddened that the communist terrorist at all times shattered the hopes of many youths, destroyed many families and killed numerous innocent people,” the region’s top police official said.
“Ka Marjun” died due to loss of blood at D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Monday night.
“Again, I urged all who are still in the mountains to lay down your arms and surrender peacefully,” Esquivel said. (Mike Crismundo)
