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.