A MILITARY official has warned students against the alleged deception made by rebels, who are recruiting youth into their organization.

Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, made the emphasis in a short lecture at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 16, on the “Deceptive Youth Recruitment Strategy of the CPP-NPA-NDF” to the parents and students of Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias (CSAV), Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Arevalo, who was invited as guest of honor and speaker for the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Presentation of Sponsors and Recognition of Parents, showed to the 600 faculty, parents and students a short animated video entitled “Pindoy,” exposing the modus of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army, and National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in deceiving and misleading the youth to join the NPA.

During the lecture, the military commander also emphasized the CPP-NPA-NDF’s schemes on infiltrating different schools, state colleges and universities in the country.

He also warned the students to be wary of joining NDF organizations since some intend to corrupt or mislead them, clarifying the distinction of “activism” from “supporting terrorism.”

“Activism is not a crime, but supporting terrorism is a crime," Arevalo said.

"Our government respects the right to academic freedom. However, a student joining the NPA or supporting terrorist organizations is illegal and a crime,” he added.

Arevalo received a Certificate of Appreciation from the CSAV faculty headed by lawyer Romeo Vincente Sta. Ana Jr.; Dr. Nemia Yorac, Dean of Instruction; and Dr. Nelly Parreño, Research Director and Officer-In-Charge.