[Manila Standard] Philippine military spokesman Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala said the military is disturbed at the resurgence of child-soldiers in the New People's Army, especially in Eastern Mindanao. He said, "The latest child-soldier that surrendered to our troops is an 11-year-old boy from Mati City, Davao Oriental."Kakilala wouldn't give the name of the victim but a separate report identified him as Michael Gabriel, a.k.a. Dodong, who voluntarily surrendered to troops on security patrol in Barangay Camansa, Asuncion, Davao del Norte on May 9. Gabriel is the fourth minor to surrender since March of this year.
Captain Alberto Caber said three minors who had earlier surrendered were aged between 14 and 17. He said, "Around 22% of NPA members are minors ages six 6 to eighteen 17 while around 74% are Indigenous People or Lumads in Eastern Mindanao area."
Bunagan said Gabriel reported he was 6 years old when recruited into the NPA. He said, "The boy had experienced 6 encounters with security forces in some parts of Davao del Norte and in Davao Oriental."
The boy also told him he was being used to plant landmines along the routes of military operations.