BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
CAMP MELCHOR DE LA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela (June 16)— The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has extended financial assistance to a former New People’s Army (NPA) child warrior on Wednesday at the Philippine Army’s 77th Infantry Battalion (77IB) Headquarters in Cagayan province.
Lawyer Jimmy Baliga, CHR Region 2 director, personally awarded the cheque amounting to P10,000 to alias Arcy through the assistance of 77IB in Barangay Piggatan, Alcala town in Cagayan.
“The CHR office continues to stand up for our countrymen who have experienced violations of their human rights. The financial assistance provided by our office is just one of the assistance we are ready to provide, especially to the young victims of the terrorist NPA,” Baliga said.
Capt. Rigor Pamittan, 5th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said Arcy was only 16 years old when he was used as an armed courier of the communist terrorist group (CTG) until he was forced to join the NPA in 2017.
Arcy said he was forced to join the group because his life was threatened.
“I was afraid not to go with them (CTG) then. They were threatening me and my family. So I was thinking then, just to save our family from any harm, I was forced to go with them,” Arcy said with regret, as he reminisced how he got involved in the terrorist group.
On March 17, 2021, Arcy grabbed the opportunity to return to the folds of the law.
“I saw an opportunity to surrender. When I saw the soldiers (of 77IB), I did not hesitate to ask them for help. So I am very grateful that they helped me,” he said.
“I am also grateful today to the Commission on Human Rights for their assistance,” Arcy added.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Magtangol Panopio, 77IB commander, has urged the remaining members of the CTGs to surrender and get the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
“It is not yet too late. Lay down your arms and we will help you be reintegrated,” Panopio said.