Amid growing controversy surrounding the recruitment of students by militant and progressive groups with alleged links to the New People’s Army (NPA), which is said to be taking place at various schools and universities nationwide, Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, urged parents to protect their children from recruitment activities conducted by the insurgent group.
The military official said it is “a shame” that some scholars, especially those studying at state colleges and universities, have “bitten the hand that fed them” and joined the rebel movement. He noted, parents and students should be able to distinguish activism from supporting terrorism.
“There are many other students who deserve the scholarships and who are in dire need of education to help the country, and not destroy it,” Arevalo said.
The army commander pointed out, recipients of government scholarships at private and public schools should be prevented from joining organizations that support the NPA in order to protect them from lies, deception, and machinations of the insurgent organization. He added, there are many other organizations that students can join to exercise their rights and academic freedom.
Last week, a hearing was conducted before the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs after several parents filed complaints claiming their children went missing and were believed to have been invited by progressive groups allegedly linked to the NPA.
During the hearing four former insurgents provided testimony and confirmed the insurgent group actively recruit from various schools nationwide./DGB, WDJ