TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur- The Philippine Normal University (PNU)-Mindanao, one of the prestigious schools in Agusan del Sur, firmly expressed its support to the peace efforts of the Task-Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) during an Information Drive Towards Sustainable Peace Symposium held yesterday, March 10, 2021.
The said symposium was themed, “Protect the Youth. Protect the Future.’, which aimed to spread awareness to the youth sector about the recruitment schemes and deceptive lies of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), officially designated by the Philippine Government, United States and European Union as a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
The symposium was made possible through the joint efforts of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, 42 CMO Company and 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade all of Philippine Army in collaboration with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) -CARAGA Region and POINTY Inc.-Agusan del Norte. In observance of the COVID-19 health protocols, it was conducted thru video teleconferencing (VTC) via ZOOM.
A total of 93 students participated in the symposium which composed of 72 student leaders from the PNU-Mindanao Student Government headed by Mr. Alexis Q. Sebote, Student Regent, and 21 campus writers from The Torch Publication, the official publication of PNU-Mindanao headed by its Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Herminigildo Genon.
Mr. Manuel M. Orduña, Regional Director of NICA- CARAGA, lectured about the CTG Recruitment to the Youth and Student Sector . “The terrorist group had already infiltrated schools conducting recruitment of students and involving them to all forms of violence and terrorism-related activities.”, he said.
Also, Mr. Glynmer A. Jamito, POINTY Board of Trustee, encouraged the youth to become family-oriented individuals, responsible social-media users, disciplined and law-abiding citizens during his lecture on Youth Empowerment.
An open forum after the lectures paved way to the questions of the participants. “This symposium opened our eyes and minds about the activities of the leftist organizatons, as a student leader, I realized that involving yourself in the armed revolution is a worst decision that might end your life. To my fellow leaders and to the youth sector, let’s focus on our studies and make our parents proud by using our talents and skills in a right way.”, Mr. Sebote said.
“As mandated by the EO70, we in the State, Colleges and Univeristies (SUCs) are directed to render necessary support to the TF-ELCAC. As the second parents of the students, it is necessary for us to protect them from these leftist organizations.”, Professor Jeanette T. Gongora, Director, Office of Students Services (OSS), stated.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB expressed his appreciation to all the participants and active partners for rendering invaluable support and cooperation with the unit that made the symposium significant and successful. “Thank you for your cooperation and we are looking forward for a more enhanced partnership with you in our peace campaign.” he said.
Further, Lt. Col. Goce gave emphasis on the symposium’s theme. “The theme protect the youth, protect the future is a challenge to all of us, the threats of terrorism and violent extrimism will destroy the future of our youth. Thus, it is our duty to protect the young generations from the recruitment schemes of the CPP-NPA.”, he added.
“The youth is our future and they play a significant role in nation and peace building. Let’s protect and empower them to be advocates of peace. Let’s be part of this campaign and help the government in achieving sustainable peace. “, Lt. Col. Goce ended. (30)
