TACLOBAN CITY – A New People’s Army fighter killed in a recent encounter with government troops in Jiabong, Samar has been confirmed to be a minor, according to the military.
Capt. Christopher Tataro of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division said the identity of the slain rebel was confirmed by his family after the April 17 clash.
The casualty, identified by the alias “John Paul,” was only 17 years old and came from San Jose de Buan. Military reports said he was recruited into the armed movement at the age of 13.
Tataro said the youth had been part of the Yakal Platoon, though later verification placed him under the Regional Security Force of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
The firefight happened while soldiers from the 14th Infantry Battalion were carrying out operations in a remote area of Jiabong town.
In the aftermath, the military renewed its appeal to remaining rebels to surrender and return to civilian life, assuring them of government support for reintegration.
Officials also urged local communities to help discourage insurgency recruitment, noting that the conflict is tied not only to security concerns but also to social and economic issues that require sustained government intervention.
ia/xf
