(Eagle News)–Former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo on Monday, Dec. 3, denied the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army was recruiting minors.
In a television interview, Ocampo said the minors who were with them when the military intercepted them last week were being rescued following the shutdown of a lumad school in the area.
According to Ocampo, these lumad schools were being targeted by the military as they are believed to be run by the communists.
Earlier, Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said the schools were teaching “other things” and were even teaching a different national anthem.
“They are directly targeting these schools as part of the campaign of the government,” Ocampo said.
Trafficking and charges for violation of the law protecting minors have been filed against Ocampo and several others over the incident in Talaingod, Davao.
