Children and Youth in Organized Armed Violence in the Philippines: Contextualization, Personal Histories and Policy Options
Agnes Zenaida V. Camacho; Marco P. Puzon; Yasmin Patrice Ortiga
Program on Psychosocial Trauma and Human Rights, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines
E-mail: pstcids@yahoo.com , pstcids@edsamail.com.ph

This paper examines children and youth in Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs) used as private armies by local politicians in predominantly Muslim province of Maguindanao in the southern Philippines. Part One gives a contextualized summary of the situation of children. Part Two takes a closer look at the human face of this phenomenon, with profiles of individuals involved gathered through indepth interviews. Part Three examines possible solutions to the problem, with an evaluation of relevant programs and policies.

While CVOs are established primarily for community self-defense and protection, local politicians are reportedly heavily arming and using members of CVOs in their respective localities as private armies, the existence of which is explicitly forbidden under the 1987 Constitution. The situation presents a serious paradox: while the CVOs are legal, field reports indicate various irregularities and violations, including those on the protection of children against violence and abuse.

Child and youth involvement in CVOs is a thorny issue from the point of view of advocacy and public policy. Those involved deny both the use of CVOs as private armies and the involvement of children in these groups. This situation renders the children hard to reach and largely invisible. The problem is more complex than simple non-enforcement of laws. Examples of good practices and policies are presented. The paper recommends a multi-faceted appraoch to address the issue, involving children and different sectors of society.