UCA News
Contribute

Communist rebels push for child protection

Say violations of child welfare by the government and their own ranks should be investigated
Communist rebels push for child protection
Children haul logs down a mountain road in Agusan del Norte province (Photo by Ben Serrano)
Published: July 02, 2012 10:01 AM GMT
Updated: July 02, 2012 10:01 AM GMT

Communist rebels have said they will target organizations and individuals, including their own ranks, who violate the rights and welfare of children. Luis Jalandoni, head of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) panel negotiating peace with the government, said the rebel group has directed all its forces to implement its program of action to protect children. The group on Friday launched the "NDFP Declaration and Program of Action for the Rights, Protection and Welfare of Children." The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in a statement said the declaration shows the rebel group's "determination to advance the rights and welfare of the Filipino child, in line with the cause of advancing the national democratic revolution and people's war." The clandestine CPP and its armed wing, the National People’s Army, are members of the NDFP that has been waging a four-decade guerilla war against the government. Jalandoni said the declaration gives its forces the mandate to go after child abusers. He said that even the CPP and the NPA would be subject to the declaration. "The NDFP is willing to receive verifiable allegations of specific violations of recruitment and use of children and shall promptly conduct investigation," he said in an online interview. He denied allegations that the rebel group is recruiting minors and using them as fighters. The rebel leader said that in case of breach on the prohibition of the recruitment and use of children, "appropriate disciplinary action shall be undertaken against the erring officers and personnel of the NPA." Human rights groups welcomed the declaration. "This is a welcome development," said Cristina Palabay, spokesperson of human rights group Karapatan. She said it is "timely" after reports came out last week that the number of children between the ages of 5 and 17 involved in hazardous labor had reached nearly 5.5 million last year. "It is time to stop victimizing children, especially those caught in the government's anti-insurgency operations," Palabay said. Jacquiline Ruiz, executive director of the Children's Rehabilitation Center (CRC), also welcomed the rebel group's declaration. "We need their commitment to child welfare and protection," Ruiz told ucanews.com. From 2001 to 2010, the CRC documented 1,205 cases of violations of children's rights, including the labeling of 41 children as child soldiers of the NPA, the use of 22 children as guides or shields in military operations and the recruitment of four minors into paramilitary groups. With the declaration, the rebel group ordered its forces "to outline more specific policies, programs of action and plans" to address the needs and demands of children in their area of responsibility.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia