THE Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) has condemned the New People's Army's (NPA) recruitment and infiltration activities in schools following the discovery of recruitment materials linked to Kabataang Makabayan (KM).
The recruitment materials were found at the campuses of West Visayas State University and the University of the Philippines-Visayas.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID, expressed alarm over the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) aggressive efforts to distribute campaign and recruitment propaganda, which he said could exploit vulnerable students and lure them into joining the NPA.
“We recognize that the distribution of recruitment materials by this group in our schools represents a desperate attempt by the CTG to look for prospective cadres and leaders following the demise of their top and high-ranking leaders in recent encounters," Sison said.
Sison said they cannot afford to let one or two students waste their lives fighting for a futile cause in the mountains.
The 3ID called on educational institutions across Panay Island to investigate and prevent these recruitment efforts.
Sison urged schools to take administrative action against those distributing NPA propaganda and collaborate with authorities to safeguard students.
“This matter will also be brought to the attention of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 6 (RTF-ELCAC 6) for a more coordinated inter-agency approach to prevent CTG recruitment of the youth,” Sison added.
The 3ID commander emphasized the need for schools to remain safe havens, free from terrorist influence.
Sison also warned students of the dangers of joining the NPA and the tragic outcomes of such decisions.
“I hope and pray that our youth will learn from the sad stories and often tragic experiences of those students who have been recruited and turned into NPA members,” Sison said.
He said most of them are gone, their homes have been destroyed, and their lives have been significantly impacted. (Leo Solinap)