CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – In collaboration with the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – Claveria (USTP Claveria), the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig conducted a four-day online information drive, to its students through video teleconferencing (VTC), from April 20 to 23, 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 four-day information drive, comprising seven sessions in total, which is 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 intensifies, 58IB was able to reach out to approximately 2,271 college students of USTP Claveria through video teleconferencing and spreading of recorded 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.
The info drive culminated in a constructive and engaging dialogue between the students and the 58IB troops, with several of them testifying that they were unaware of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s manipulative methods in exploiting their personal issues in order to convince them to enter the Communist Terrorist Group. Some of them took part in an online survey to share their opinions.
“For me, the CPP-NPA-NDF Youth Recruitment is more about taking advantage of the misguided youths and those who have been, in one way or another, youths who have been witness to the darker side of reality. These youths are more in tune with what the rebel-armed groups are preaching which consists of heavily bleached version of their true goals (which are, in the end, a destruction of the achievements we have attained today) and twisted views of what reality is.
“CPP-NPA-NDF Youth Recruitment is alarming. This must be stop for it will only bring chaos and will destroy our society and the future of the youth.”
“Sa mga katulad kong kabataan, wag kayo papalinlang. Sabay-sabay nating abutin ang ating mga pangarap, wag natin itong sirain sa simpleng RECRUITMENT lamang dahil lahat ng sinasabi nila ay pawang panlilinlang lamang.”
“Live not just for yourselves and serve others regardless of our age. More so, we should take part of all the happenings in our surroundings. Let us take part in ending insurgency rather than adding ourselves to become one.”
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB expressed appreciation to the students and the school for their support and for allowing the 58IB to conduct an information drive, saying, “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.” ‘Ang Kabataan ang pag-asa ng Bayan,’ as Dr. Jose Rizal put it. I hope you can stand up to it and do what is best for you, which is doing the right thing. Be wise on your choices. There may be social issues and injustices that the CTG uses as propaganda, but rest assured that, amidst pandemic, the government is working hand in hand with the people to ensure the delivery of services to the people, and particularly to deter the growth of this terrorist group that continues to threaten the state’s sovereignty.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the availability of internet access, will not hinder us from spreading the truth about these front organizations, more so protecting the younger generation.” Lt. Col Canatoy ended.
