PNP: We did not ‘brainwash’ parents of ‘missing’ minors recruited by leftists

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it did not brainwash the parents of the “missing” students who were allegedly recruited by leftist groups, noting that the parents were the ones who  asked police to file complaints against these groups.

“Hindi po kami ang nag-invite dun. Resource persons lang kami dun [sa Senate probe]. Hindi po kami ang nag-brainwash dun. Sila lumapit sa amin para na mag-file sila ng kaso,” PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Tuesday when asked about his reaction to the claim of some groups that the PNP “brainwashed” the parents of students who were allegedly recruited by leftist groups.

Last week, some parents became emotional during a Senate inquiry after disclosing that their children went missing after being allegedly recruited by left-leaning organizations including Anakbayan and the League of Filipino Students.

READ: Mothers of minors recruited by leftist groups turn emotional at Senate probe

The PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) also filed complaints of kidnapping, violation of the Anti-trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, child abuse, and crimes against international humanitarian law against Anakbayan national president Vencer Crisostomo; secretary-general Einstein Recedes; and members Charie del Rosario, Bianca Gacos and Jayroven Balais on Aug. 1.

Albayalde said they are only assisting the parents who asked PNP’s help in filing a case against the leftist groups.

“Just like any concerned citizens na kung merong complainant sa aming tanggapan ay kailangan namin bigyan ng police assistance. Hindi po kami ang lumapit sa kanila,” Albayalde said.  /muf