BAGUIO CITY – Police authorities called on the public for vigilance on alleged recruitment activities of communists in various universities in the Cordillera to be able to regain their influence among the youth.
The appeal was made during the conduct of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas where representatives from various agencies comprising the Regional Task force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCaC) were in attendance.
PRO-CAR Regional Intelligence Division Chief PCol Damian Olsim stressed the need for continuous vigilance against CTG recruitment, stating, “Naka-focus pa rin tayo diyan, in coordination with our AFP, NICA, and other law enforcement para bantayan iyang mga recruitment activities… Para maiwas iyang mga kababayan natin na sumapi diyan sa mga mapalinlang na recruitment ng CTGs.”
Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Lilian Oliva raised concerns about aggressive recruitment efforts, particularly in Benguet State University (BSU). “When I attended the Benguet Peace of Order Council, the police force was very empathic in saying that there is an aggressive recruitment going on in the colleges in Benguet… particularly in BSU,” she said, questioning the level of cooperation between law enforcement and educational institutions.
NICA-CAR Director Camilo Balutan reported that their agency has engaged 63,000 individuals, including 51,000 students, in awareness programs. “We are conducting orientation to students from elementary hanggang grade 12… because they believe na ang estudyante ang most vulnerable sector,” he explained, adding that their efforts have contributed to a decline in student participation in rallies and recruitment activities.
DILG-CAR representative Araceli San Jose announced plans to conduct a Peace Wemboree in Benguet, shifting focus to the province following reports of increased recruitment. “We will prioritize Benguet… With your information, Ma’am, na tumataas iyong recruitment diyan, siguro makakatulong ang DILG, in coordination with NICA, AFP, PNP, and other agencies.”
PCol Tigiin of the Police Regional Office highlighted a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Education that allows law enforcement to address students directly regarding deceptive recruitment tactics. “As of now, we are engaged in organized stakeholder groups that would help us to counter these activities,” he said, citing KKDAT (Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo) as an active partner in countering recruitment efforts within schools.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding students from CTGs influence through inter-agency coordination, education, and community engagement. By Gian Laddit
