By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — A 21-year-old suspected New People’s Army (NPA) member was arrested last Thursday in Sitio Humayan, Barangay Pinowayan, Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), according to government forces.
Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, spokesperson for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, reported the arrest, which followed a tip-off from the suspect’s minor brother and cousin, aged 17 and 16, about his location.
The arrest came during joint operations by the 79th Infantry Battalion and the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company, who acted on reports of unidentified armed persons in the area.
The suspects, alleged members of the now-defunct Northern Negros Front, were initially held at the DSB Municipal Police Station. The minors will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
A recent shooting incident in the area, under investigation by local police, involved the suspects, according to the 79th Infantry Battalion.
Recovered were various firearms and ammunition, including a KG-9 submachine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, and homemade shotguns, among others.
In response, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-NPA issued a statement denying that minors are recruited as fighters and asserting that all members are accounted for, suggesting that the apprehension of an NPA member is unlikely.
Javines countered this statement, noting that denial is a standard response due to the illegality of recruiting minors under international humanitarian law.
The Army emphasized that the operation was legitimate, aimed at ensuring community security, and is part of ongoing efforts to maintain internal peace and safety.
Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, expressed sadness over the involvement of minors with the NPA but stressed the need for accountability for any crimes committed.
Sison also highlighted the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in Negros against the NPA’s remnants, contributing to the peace and progress in the province.
