The military yesterday warned members of the youth sector, especially students and young professionals, against falling prey to the recruitment schemes of communist rebels.
“Another student has fallen prey to the deceitful scheme of the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-
New People’s Army. Under the guise of so-called immersion, idealistic young men and women – mostly students – were handed poisoned chalices by CPP-NPA cadres,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said when asked to comment on reports claiming that a University of the Philippines-Los Baños veterinary student, allegedly recruited by the rebels, was killed in a clash with the military in Laguna Thursday.
“After being initially led to the countryside allegedly to experience life with the people, these young men and women were constantly brain-washed about perceived social ills, their emotions aroused, until they are ripe for the terrorist movement. They were recruited, taught to wield arms, and eventually meet their untimely and unfortunate death fighting government security forces,” Arevalo said.
He also said that AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. strongly condemns this evil design of Communist
Party of the Philippines-NPA communists.
The NPA is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.
“Time and again, he admonishes the youth, especially students and young professionals, to be very discerning
about people who or groups that approach them. They should not allow themselves to be misled by nice sweet-talking individuals who’ll lead them to perdition,” he added.
And while commiserating with the parents of this unfortunate student and many others led astray by the rebels,
Arevalo urged school officials to take full responsibility and guide children while in schools. (PNA)