In a somber discovery, the Philippine Army found the remains of an infant in an abandoned camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) located in the mountainous region of Catubig, Northern Samar. The find, reported by the 20th Infantry Battalion on November 14, 2024, suggests potential breaches of human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Alongside the infant’s remains, the military also discovered baby clothes, a milk bottle, and a baby pillow, indicating the presence of young children in the conflict zone.
Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, the battalion’s commander, emphasized that the discovery on November 11 underscores the dangers and challenges faced by civilians, particularly infants, in areas controlled by armed groups. He highlighted the possible exploitation of non-combatants in areas occupied by terrorists. Reports suggest that some NPA members might have been pregnant or given birth under harsh conditions within the camp.
The Army is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of civilians, especially the most vulnerable, and will not condone any violations of human rights or humanitarian law, according to Villaflor. In collaboration with local authorities, the Army is organizing a respectful burial for the infant.
Catubig Mayor Solomon Vicencio expressed profound sorrow over the loss of a young life due to the ongoing conflict. He urged those involved in violence to consider the impact on families and future generations, advocating for peace and development to ensure a safe environment for children to grow up in.
The discovery came amid an intensified search by the 20th Infantry Battalion for remaining NPA fighters following a series of confrontations in Catubig that began on November 5. These clashes were initiated after reports of NPA members extorting and intimidating local farmers.