CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – In a daring operation on March 14, 2025, the Philippine Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion, part of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), foiled an attempt to recruit two young girls by the Communist Party of the Philippines’ New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
The rescue unfolded in the remote Barangay San Nicolas, San Jose de Buan, Samar, after a sudden clash with armed insurgents.
Major Jefferson Mariano, head of the 8ID Public Affairs Unit, revealed that government troops were conducting focused military operations in the area when they came under heavy fire from the Yakal Platoon of the CPP-NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Amid the chaos of battle, the soldiers managed to spot two unarmed minors—who were not involved in the fighting—and swiftly secured them, pulling them to safety.
The two girls, identified as Jean and Mae, both 14 years old, were immediately handed over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) in San Jose de Buan. Authorities also ensured they received medical attention, including psychological support, to address the trauma they endured during the harrowing encounter.
According to an MSWDO officer, the two girls had been simply gathering vegetables when they were approached by an NPA member, who attempted to recruit them for the rebel cause. A chilling reminder of the insurgents’ brazen efforts to exploit vulnerable youth for their violent agenda.
Brigadier General Lenart Lelina, Commander of the 801st Brigade, was vocal in condemning the incident. He called the NPA’s actions a sign of desperation, as they sought to rebuild their decimated forces by preying on young, impressionable minds.
“The Communist Terrorist Groups are in rapid decline, so they turn to recruiting children, knowing they can easily manipulate them. This malicious and barbaric act not only violates the rights of minors but shows utter contempt for their safety and well-being,” Brig. Gen. Lelina said.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, lauded the soldiers’ bravery and professionalism during the rescue operation, stressing that the troops would remain relentless in their duty to protect the people of Eastern Visayas.
“Our troops will never falter in their mission to safeguard the people—especially the children—from the twisted ideologies and exploitation of these terrorists,” said Maj. Gen. Orio.
In the aftermath of the clash, government forces recovered key materials from the encounter site, including a .45-caliber pistol, a makeshift firearm, two cell phones, and documents that detailed the insurgents’ recruitment strategies, further revealing their sinister plans.
San Jose de Buan’s Mayor Joaquin Elizalde expressed his strong disapproval of the NPA’s recruitment tactics, urging the public to stay alert and united against such atrocities.
“We must protect our children from becoming child soldiers, victims of forced labor, or worse. It is our collective duty to uphold their rights and ensure their future is free from exploitation,” Mayor Elizalde said.
The incident underscores the importance of the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act (Republic Act 11188), which explicitly prohibits the use of children in armed conflict. | Ricky Bautista / Samar Chronicle
