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Featured
The Legal Status of Children in Terrorism: Philippine Processes and Practices
Event Type
Technical Session
Format
Online
Year
2022
Speakers
Atty. Tricia Clare Oco, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Philippines
Moderator
Cecilia Polizzi, Founding President/CEO, Next Wave
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Description
Terrorism remains a significant and multifaceted threat in the Philippines, with numerous armed groups, including the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and ISIS-inspired factions, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. High-profile incidents, such as the 1995 Ipil raid and the 2017 Marawi siege, highlight the severe impact of terrorism, including large-scale displacement, extensive loss of life, and the involvement of children in armed conflicts. Children are increasingly recruited and exploited by insurgent and terrorist organizations across regions like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Zamboanga Peninsula, often serving in various roles, including perpetrators of violence. This trend has prompted legislative responses, such as the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act, which aims to protect, rehabilitate, and reintegrate affected children in line with international legal standards. This briefing examined good practices for policymakers and justice professionals to address the complex legal and procedural issues surrounding children’s recruitment and use in terrorism.