The Philippine National Police (PNP) is stepping up its efforts to prevent communist terrorist groups (CTGs) from recruiting students, responding to concerns raised by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Lilian Oliva.
To address the issue, the Cordillera Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) has been actively implementing its flagship initiative, Cordillera Convergence: Winning Against Insurgency and Terrorism (CCWIT). This program brings together government agencies, local communities, and various stakeholders to strengthen community resilience, promote peace, and enhance security in the region.
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-CAR Regional Director Camilo Balutan emphasized their commitment to increasing situational awareness among students and the general public. He stated that they continue to educate young people about the deceptive tactics used by insurgents to lure them into their ranks, often under the guise of activism or social movements.
In collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), the PNP has been actively visiting schools and universities to inform students about the dangers of CTG recruitment. A standing memorandum of understanding allows law enforcement officials to conduct awareness campaigns within educational institutions, ensuring that students recognize and avoid potential threats.
Aside from school visits, the PNP has also been working closely with various community organizations to counter recruitment activities. Police Colonel Tegui-in highlighted that the PNP has engaged stakeholder groups such as Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo, which has been actively involved in preventing students from being influenced by radical ideologies.
Authorities are also strengthening partnerships with parents, teachers, and community leaders to create a safer learning environment for students. These efforts aim to not only prevent recruitment but also provide young people with the necessary knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their safety and future.
The government remains committed to ensuring that schools remain places of learning, free from any form of influence that could endanger students’ well-being. By John Hermarc P. Villanueva
