ZAMBOANGA CITY ? Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, both wounded and minors, were arrested by government troops in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, the military said Sunday.

Lt. Col. Christopherson Capuyan, 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB) commander, said the two, one 16 years old and the other 17 years old, were arrested Saturday in Sitio Muagan, Barangay Datu Ito Andong, Kalamansig.

Capuyan said the apprehension of the two was due to information by concerned civilians. The troops also recovered an M16 rifle with three magazines.

“The continued recruitment of children by these terrorist groups is alarming and not only destroys their future but also places them in immense danger,” Capuyan said.

He said they were wounded in the encounter on Thursday in Barangay Datu Ito Andong where a soldier from the 37IB was killed and three high-ranking NPA rebels were left dead by their comrades.

He said the two wounded NPA rebels were brought to the Kalamansig Rural Health Unit (RHU) for immediate medical care.

They were later transferred to the Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, for further medical attention. DMS