CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (ID) on Thursday appealed to communist guerrillas not to use minors in combat operations.

This, after Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, 4ID commander, learned that Richard Paras, 17, was among the fatalities in the May 29 encounter between communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and government forces in barangay Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The body of Paras, a resident of barangay Pandiay, New Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, was later identified by Julieto Canoy alias “Kumander Boom” who was captured in that place on April 1.

“I call upon the NPA to spare the children; our future’s hope and let them grow in peace. I had given order to all field commanders for the protection of children they met in skirmishes and to always uphold the respect of human rights especially the rights of women and children,” said Felix.

Felix accused the NPA of “taking advantage of the children’s innocence and teaching them to be warriors” and in so doing steal precious years in their formative stage.

Paras was among the NPA guerrillas killed during a 10-minute gun battle between the rebels and troops from the 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company under the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

Felix expressed sadness when he learned of Paras, which the 4th ID said is enough evidence that the NPAs are using “child warriors” in its fight against the government.

Maj. Eugenio Osias IV, 4ID spokesman, said Paras is proof that the NPA rebels are “grossly violating the Geneva Convention and other international laws.”

Osias, who is also the commander of the 4th Civil-Military Operations “Kasaligan” Battalion, urged communities “to help us put an end to such inhumane treatment of our youth and to immediately report to authorities about such recruitment activities.”