Students may be tricked into joining terrorist groups

STUDENTS MAY  not even know it, but they may already be indoctrinated into terrorist ideologies by deceptive organizations.

According to Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) spokesperson Major Arvin John Encinas, communist terrorist groups and violent extremists like the Abu Sayyaf employ “deceptive recruitment” in schools, including some in Zamboanga Peninsula and in the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi areas. 

“A student may not even realize that  he or she has already been indoctrinated into terrorist ideologies until it is too late,” Encinas said. 

The recruiters usually target student leaders who have certain favourable qualities such as having good academic standing, leadership skills and charisma, Encinas said. But other students with certain potentials are not exempted.

Encinas explained that the students would undergo a process. The process begins when students are oriented on issues and societal problems that are usually exaggerated to encourage unreasonable hatred and anger for the government. These issues may be tuition woes, poverty and others that are shared by the students.   

When the recruiter sees that the students, or plebes are ready, they are then brought to “immersion” activities in remote and far-flung communities where they usually receive further training and indoctrination.

Violent extremists like the Abu Sayyaf also employ a religious approach to their recruitment activities, distorting beliefs and teachings, Encinas added.

Encinas advised students who suspect that they are already being recruited to immediately avoid any contact with the recruiter and the group.

“Mararamdaman nila yan, at dapat ay iwasan na nila,” (they can feel if they are being recruited, and they should immediately avoid the group) he said.

In cases when students feel their safety is at risk, Encinas said the military is always available for support.

WESTMINCOM has been engaging schools, universities and out of school youth in the region to educate them about the dangers and consequences of joining these groups. (By Dominic I. Sanchez)