AFP scores NPA for employing children in IED manufacture

MANILA — The Armed Forces condemned the New People's Army for using children in manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) they use in attacking military and civilian targets.
"By recruiting children to be part of the armed conflict, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) has manifested its penchant for violating human rights and international humanitarian law," AFP Civil Relation Service head Brig. Gen. Rolando Tenefrancia said.
"The death of innocent civilians most especially the children makes the CPP-NPA accountable to the public as these civilians should never become victims of their atrocities in the first place."
The AFP CRS chief added communist rebels are using the bomb-making activity as a disguise and enticement to children and adults to join the CPP-NPA movement.
Tenefrancia issued this statement after two children, Rodelyn Aquirre, 6, and her sister, Roda, 5, were killed during an IED manufacturing activity of the NPA in Barangay Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz last March 11.
"The CPP-NPA should have never involved the civilians, most especially the children, as these children are supposed to be with their families learning good values and educated in decent learning institutions," Tenefrancia said. "This is a tragic incident where the children are being taught to become future terrorists instead of becoming productive citizens of our society." (PNA)
Source http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/45072-AFP-scores-NPA-for-employing-children-in-IED-manufacture.html