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The issue about Jelyn Dayong became a controversial topic.
She was wounded in a military encounter in Alegria, Surigao del Norte
on February 16, 1999.
The NPA left me to die like a wounded dog.
I thought we were together in everything but they left me to die...
She was 13 years old when she joined the NPA.
We always carry our rifles...
In the NPA, she learned to detest the government.
They'll condition you to rebel, to hate the government.
As a child, hearing that every day, you'll change and easily be influenced.
However, it's not easy for a young girl to trek the mountains.
I lost all hope.
I was troubled that I'll never see my loved ones again.
There's no stopping, no breaks, no meals...
Inside the organization, she discovered the real motives of the CPP-NPA.
In the jungle, only our NPA commander handles the money.
He also solicits financial support from ordinary civilians and
sends solicitation letters to private companies.
But we never heard what happened to the collected amount.
And even in the midst of her misery,
Jelyn is pestered by CPP-NPA front groups.
Karapatan and the likes just did
was heckling and mudslinging in their interviews.
They claimed that I was just a gimmick by the military, but I am not.
Karapatan works for the CPP-NPA, it's just a legal front.
What happened to Jelyn can be called a tragedy.
But this tragedy also awakened her
to traverse the path towards reform and a better life.
These condemnable acts are simply ignored by some in the government.
When the young rebel Edfu dela Cruz was captured,
the despicable congressman Satur Ocampo
even defended the NPA actions instead of the child's interests.
Which by no surprise immediately trumpeted
by other CPP-NPA front organizations.
It is no secret what the real motives of these individuals and groups are.
"Use nationalism to destroy nationalism"
"Join the government to destroy the government"
Even to this day, the recruitment of minors by the CPP-NPA continues,
just to be used in the bloody battles against the government.
[ Song ] What your parents desire is for your own welfare
Reform now
Reform now
Since 1999 up to this day, 169 young rebels from the NPA
voluntarily surrendered, 96 were captured and 12 were killed
in encounters. Many of these children who surrendered or were captured
returned safely and living now in peace with their parents.
The NPA continues to use innocent children
to the struggle they don't even understand.
All children deserve a free,
peaceful, and safe living environment.
They should be provided with proper care and guidance
for their bright future.
There's no future over there.
Our lives are at stake that's the law there.
I'll stop my friends if they wish to go there.
I really didn't intend to join, I was just forced.
It's nice to live in peace together with your parents.
...who among you is suffering the most?
Take a look at the youth.
Look at the youth.
Do you see nothing
in the course of their lives?
Take a look at the youth.
Life is on their hands.
Take a look at the youth
the answer is there.