Philippine Army Reports No Rebel Recruitment in Western Visayas Schools

WESTERN VISAYAS – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has reported that there are no ongoing rebel recruitment activities within schools and universities in Western Visayas.

According to Philippines News Agency, commander of the 3ID, intelligence reports confirm that no students have joined the ranks of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as armed fighters recently. This lack of new recruitment is attributed to the challenges faced by the CPP-NPA-NDF in attracting new members from educational institutions. “There is no new cadre because our efforts have disrupted their ability to recruit from among students and the youth,” Sison explained during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum.

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) has actively engaged with educational institutions, particularly those previously identified as recruitment hotspots, including the West Visayas State University, Aklan State University, and several schools in Roxas City, Capiz. Notably, campuses like WVSU-Calinog and Puti-an National High School in Cuartero, Capiz, previously tagged by the Philippine National Police as recruitment grounds, have reported no new recruitment activities.

Sison also noted a shift in recruitment strategies, with the rebels now reportedly focusing on indigenous communities. However, he reassured that the Philippine Army remains vigilant and will continue its presence in the mountains to prevent any resurgence in rebel activities. “We co-locate with the enemy, but we will not co-exist. It is only the Philippine Army that will exist,” he affirmed.