Manila, March 21 -- Military and local government officials in Samar province denounced the New People's Army (NPA) over attempts to recruit minors.

This, after two unarmed female minors were identified and rescued during a clash between government troopers and the rebels in San Jose de Buan town on March 14.

The minors, both 14 years old, were identified under the aliases Jean and Mae. They were handed over to the municipal social welfare and development office and taken to a hospital for psychological support and intervention following the traumatic incident.

Government troops recovered at the encounter site a .45-caliber pistol, a magazine, an improvised homemade firearm, two cellular phones, documents detailing recruitment plans, a...