By CESAR JOLITO III
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. has called on teachers and school officials to remain vigilant against alleged recruitment efforts by the New People’s Army (NPA) targeting students in schools and universities.
Escalante said local educators must closely monitor school environments to prevent young people from being influenced or recruited by communist insurgents, following reports of students being involved in encounters between government forces and the NPA.
“In Cadiz City, the local school board meets regularly. We are telling teachers to be vigilant because it is the children who end up paying the price,” Escalante said.
The mayor stressed that schools should remain safe spaces focused on education and student welfare, adding that coordination between teachers, parents and local government officials is necessary to protect learners from recruitment activities.
Escalante’s statement echoed earlier warnings issued by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who previously urged schools and local officials to strengthen monitoring of campus activities amid concerns over alleged NPA infiltration.
Security officials have also reiterated concerns over recruitment efforts in educational institutions.
Lt. Colonel Roderick Salayo, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said ongoing military operations are aimed at preventing insurgents from rebuilding their ranks and recruiting new members, particularly in parts of Negros Oriental.
Meanwhile, 3rd Infantry Division commander Brigadier General Marion Sison earlier condemned alleged NPA propaganda and recruitment activities in schools, including reported distribution of materials at West Visayas State University and University of the Philippines – Visayas.
“Our schools must serve as safe havens, free from the insidious influence of terrorist groups,” Sison said.
Authorities said stronger collaboration among schools, local government units and law enforcement agencies remains essential to prevent students from being drawn into armed insurgency activities./CJ, WDJ