AFP’s anti-insurgency unit holds ‘intensified’ info drive vs NPA in Metro Manila

The City to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Hands off Our Children, and Joint Task Force NCR hold an information drive on the alleged recruitment methods of communist rebels in Felimon Liza Senior High School in Navotas City on Monday, February 24, 2020./ JTF NCR

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine military’s anti-insurgency unit in the National Capital Region (NCR) recently conducted an information drive to “intensify awareness” on the alleged “deceptive recruitment” of communist rebels.

The City to End Local Communist Armed Conflict carried out their campaign at the Felimon T. Liza Senior High School in Navotas City, said Joint Task Force NCR public affairs officer First Lieutenant Arrianne Bichara in a statement Monday.

They were joined by Hands Off Our Children Movement, a group of parents whose children have supposedly jointed left-leaning groups.

Authorities have been saying the New People’s Army (NPA) recruits some of their members in schools.

Bichara said their information drive is part of their effort to counter the attempts of communist rebels to lure the youth.

“This information and education campaign aims to enlighten the youth, parents, and teachers become more aware and vigilant on the deceptive recruitment of the CTGs (communist terrorist groups),” she said.

As part of the campaign, they discuss national security threats, the infiltration efforts of the NPA and its alleged recruitment schemes.

The information drive is also being carried out in other schools, barangays and peace forums.

“(We) will continue to conduct this kind of [activity] until all parents and teachers in the area are aware of the deceptive propaganda,” Bichara said.

KGA