Hmmm. We have seen this before only among Palestinians. From GulfNews, with thanks to Sr. Soph:
Manila: Terrorist groups have resorted to using children in carrying out attacks in southern Philippines, military and civilian officials said.
Major Lao Lucas of the army’s Civil Relations Unit based in Zamboanga City cited a report provided by Mayor Luz Tan of Kabacan town in North Cotabato province which said that terror groups are using schoolchildren to extort money from their targets under the threat of carrying out a bomb attack….
Lucas said the students were lured by men who introduced themselves as members of an agriculture organisation. “They were told they would be taught how to plant mangoes. But instead of sowing mangoes, the recruits were trained in making home-made explosives,” he said.
The army officer further said the modus operandi of the group is to send text messages to their prospective victims, asking for protection money and threatening to carry out a bomb attack if they refuse to give in to their demand.
Reports said officials are still trying to determine if the attacks are plain attempts at extorting money or a part of a campaign by terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf or the Jemaah Islamiyah.