MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday slammed the recruitment of child warriors by the New People’s Army (NPA) even as President Rodrigo Duterte expressed willingness to revive peace talks with the communist rebels. In his International Human Rights Day message, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea cited the “serious threat” to government efforts “all forms of end abuse, cruelty, exploitation” of children. ADVERTISEMENT“In various parts of the country, our children and youth are exploited by groups that advance terrorism,” Medialdea said. It also deplored the alleged use by the NPA of a minor who was killed in an encounter with government forces last week. READ: CHR probes NPA use of child warrior/atmADVERTISEMENTRead NextLATEST STORIESMOST READ

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 09, 2019 14:15 UTC