Army conducts info drive in different schools vs NPA recruitment

THE 26th Infantry Battalion has intensified its campaign against NPA recruitment in different secondary schools especially those from remote areas of the four municipalities of this province, which is under its area of responsibility. The unit conducts info drive and awareness to students who are the primary target of massive recruitment by the leftist group.  

According to 1Lt. Percival Carido, the Civil-Military Operations Officer of 26IB, the said info drive is designed to counter the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) youth exploitation particularly students, as well as to educate them and make them aware of the deceptive propaganda and false ideology of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

“It is very alarming that we received reports and news from the local and national regarding youths who have been killed in an encounter between the NPA and military, only to find out that they are students from known universities who are members of different left leaning organizations. Since last year, we have been constant in the conduct of info drive in areas of Talacogon, San Luis, Esperanza and lately, at the La Paz National High School. We will continue to do it every school year to remind them,” Carido added.

Arceli L. Hapon, the School Principal of La Paz National High School, commended the efforts of the Philippine Army in securing the future of her students. “NPA recruitment in schools is a gross violation of children’s right under RA 7610. For that, we will continue to collaborate with the AFP and PNP in protecting our students from the communist ideology. We are very thankful to our counterpart in mentoring our students to become an essential member of the community especially in the pursuit of a long and lasting peace advocacy,” she said.

Likewise, Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, the commanding officer of 26IB also commended the consistent support of the faculty members in the schools for the said activity. “Teachers who are doing their best in providing education for their students deserve to be recognized. For this, we are hoping that they should not allow themselves to be used by the NPA for recruitment activities, agitation and propaganda against the government for it will affect the sacredness of the school’s main purpose, to educate children for the betterment of their future,” he said.

Jimenea also appealed to the Communist Terrorists to spare the children especially students, from their violent way of life and selfish political ambition. “Give our young generations a chance to grow up,  achieve their aspirations and be successful in life. Do not use them as your instrument in destroying our nation’s democracy,” added Jimenea.