Manila seeks UNICEF's help

Manila seeks UNICEF's help

MANILA (AP): Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado sought the help
of the United Nations Children's Fund on Monday in stopping the
worsening problem of child recruitment by Philippine Marxist and
Muslim separatist guerrillas.

Mercado said UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy, who is
visiting the Philippines, agreed in principle to his appeal in a
meeting that tackled the plight of children in areas of armed
conflict.

Mercado said the military had confirmed the recruitment of at
least 80 children by Communist rebels in recent years. He said he
expected the number to grow if the problem was not addressed.

Last year, a Philippine television network showed videotapes
of Muslim guerrillas training minors how to handle rifles and
fight government troops.