CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – In collaboration with the St. Rita’s College of Balingasag, the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig conducted a two-day online information drive to its students through video teleconferencing (VTC), from April 15 to 16, 2021.
Recognizing that communist insurgency has lasted far too long because of resource generation in terms of manpower, the 58IB is concerned that the CPP-NPA-NDF poses a major threat to the province of Misamis Oriental’s youth, thus initiating an awareness campaign in the province’s universities and colleges.
The information drive, dubbed as “Lamang ang May Alam: An Anti CPP-NPA-NDF Youth Recruitment Online Info Drive” is aimed specifically at senior high school and college students as the youth in the universities and colleges were proven to become resource generation in manpower and schools have now become platforms of the CPP-NPA-NDF in exploiting the youth. Many seemingly harmless student organizations have ulterior motive of deceiving the young to support the CPP-NPA-NDF’s cause, and ultimately enter the armed struggle, falling victim to the pitfalls of the enemy.
As this awareness campaign continues, 58IB was able to reach out to approximately 400 college students at St. Rita’s College of Balingasag and delivered lectures on the Army and the Government’s interventions in coping with communist insurgency in the country, as well as the CPP-NPA-NDF’s recruitment schemes. The info drive’s primary objective was to educate students about youth recruitment schemes and persuade them not to help or join the CPP-NPA-NDF in any way; the secondary objective was to have the students informed on the government’s efforts in fighting against insurgency and protecting the youth.
Sir Rey Jhon Alfred N. Bongcas, RCrim, a faculty member from the Criminology department said, “We are grateful for the opportunity of being able to join in this undertaking. This will surely make an impact to all of us especially to the students–the youth of today whose role is very vital in nation building. You have shed light and TRUTH behind these social issues that has put the lives of many innocent Filipinos in the dungeons being lured by these opportunistic extremist groups.”
“Let this day forward, be an assurance of our shared commitment of being one with your vision and mission of serving people and securing the land by spreading these truths among our families, relatives, friends and the wider community as a whole.” He added.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB expressed appreciation to the students and the school for their support and cooperation. He left a message to the students saying, “I would like to emphasize to all of you that the most important thing you have to look forward to is your future. So that you can help with your respective families and contribute to the communities. That should be your top priority. And with regards to joining organizations or groups in school or outside, you should be discerning and be aware of their true intentions.”
“We are doing this activity to warn you of the CPP-NPA-true NDF’s intentions, which is to kill and harm the future of our youth. There really are people who will forcibly radicalize you and convince you to join them which leads to a road of destruction, like the CPP-NPA-NDF. These front organizations will only do harm on you than good. Do not believe them. There may be social issues and injustices that the CTG uses as propaganda, but rest assured that, amid the pandemic, the government is working hand in hand with the people to ensure the delivery of services to the people.”
“So again, I urge you to be informed. Be watchful. Educate yourself, you have access to information, and you are intelligent people. Madali nyong malaman kung ano yung tama, ano yung mali. Spread the truth, especially to your fellow students, friends, and loved ones.” Lt. Col. Canatoy ended.
