AFP warns parents on massive Reds recruitment in govt, private schools
A new back-to-school concern is now being addressed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hierarchy in Panay following reports of renewed recruitment for young insurgents here.
As such, a warning is out on students, parents and entire school communities to watch out against recruitments of legal front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).
In an interview, Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, commanding officer of the AFP's 3rd Civil Relations Group told The News Today (TNT) that particular watch will be made in Southern Iloilo towns.
It was not immediately clear if government schools are the primary targets for CPP/NPA/NDF recruitment vis-a-vis infiltration. Captain Marquez though wanted private institutions as well to be cautioned especially since AFP intelligence reportedly validated planned recruitment with minors as targets.
"Number one preferred area for heavy recruitment by these violent, heartless communist terrorist groups is Southern Iloilo and next off is the Central part of Panay. We will be watching over the areas of Tapaz, Jamindan and Dumarao, Capiz as well as its Iloilo boundary towns of Calinog, parts of Lambunao and Januiay," Captain Marquez said. "And so we want the community to be alert and for the parents to keep track of the activities of the students."
For further protection of the school community, Captain Marquez said the AFP will spearhead school-based information drive.
"This school year we will be conducting awareness seminars regarding the evils of communism. The planned recruitment as we have monitored will also reach colleges and universities with specific targets the incoming freshmen. So we want everybody to be aware of the danger since our enemies continue to persuade innocent ones by using the art of deception of which they are now experts. But with the government and the AFP present, we shall make sure that we put an end to their attempt to develop more 'terrorist-brains' in the community," Captain Marquez added.