PNP probes Maute recruitment of minors

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is investigating the reported recruitment of minors as fighters for the Dawlah Islamiya Maute Group, PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said yesterday.

Torre said three minors recently arrested in connection with the group’s activities are in the custody of the Philippine Army and will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for intervention.

“Recruiting children to fight is a despicable act,” Torre said. “It is meant to exploit soldiers’ reluctance to harm minors in combat.”

The PNP, Torre said, is adopting a whole-of-government approach against the group, working with the military, schools and local government units to stop recruitment operations.