By Jennifer P. Rendon
What radicalization?
Several alumni, students and their parents of six universities in Panay Island were perplexed and, yes, disappointed on how their schools became a target of the New People’s Army’s “radicalization efforts.”
The reactions stemmed from the allegations of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., also the concurrent NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, that several schools have been the target of CPP-NPA-NDF radicalization and recruitment.
In a Facebook post on January 26, 2021, the NTF-ELCAC supported Parlade’s accusation that several tertiary schools in Region 6 became “breeding grounds” for potential members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wings, the NPA and the National Democratic Front (NDF).
The list includes the University of the Philippines Visayas, West Visayas State University, Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University, Capiz State University, and Aklan State University.
The post has elicited varied reactions not only from those who slammed the “NPA recruitment” but also from students, alumni, and even their parents.
“Oy, buti pa si Gen. Parlade, alam na may recruitment doon. I studied four years at West (Visayas State University) but not once was I recruited or even attempted to be recruited. I haven’t also heard any recruitment that happened there. Sir, pabulong po kung saang gilid nyo nakuha info nyo,” Janice, a Mass Communication graduate, said.
In her Facebook post, CPU alumna Kristine dela Cruz, said “we left the campus STILL carrying the Central Spirit and live with Christian values. CPU doesn’t produce professionals who will SOON just involve themselves in corruption or to abuse power.”
Facebook user Bebe Yutig also commented, “CPU? My son came (from) there..after his graduation from CPU he entered the PMA. He was also an ROTC officer, student council senator, IIEE President, founder of Lunok Centralian, founder and speaker of 1st Iloilo Youth Congress. I never heard him commenting about the NPA recruitment in CPU.”
A few others supported NTF-ELCAC’s allegations without offering tangible proof.
But other social media users were quick to throw shades at the “accusers.”
Facebook user Crisostomo Ibarra said that it’s “personal choice ng mga iilan ayun sa kanilang belief o prinsipyo hindi dapat lahatin ang institution. Ibig sabihin ba pede rin sabihin na ang PNP, PMA at AFP ay breeding ground ng mga Kriminal at mamatay tao dahil sa iilang Pulis at Military men na lumalabag ng karapatang pantao, ng batas? Pumapatay ng walang awa sa mga Sibilyan?”
This also got the same response from Karie Mae Detore Tolones who commented “I heard lang ha PNP, PMA and AFP are breeding grounds of killers and drug dealers/users daw.”
Jim Pag-a, meanwhile, claimed “susunod jan High School, Elementary School at Kindergarten pati na rin Daycare infiltrated na 👊🤡😂.”
In its statement, the NTF-ELCAC cited “documents recovered from the capture of Adelberto Silva, member of the CPP NPA NDF Central Committee and Vicente Ladlad, Head of the National United Front Commission of the CPP NPA NDF – and a mountain of other corroborating evidences collected in the span of over 50 years—to include first hand testimonies of students and former rebels as well as physical and incontrovertible evidences do point to this tragic truth: that our children are the primary targets of the CPP NPA – a group that has been designated by the Anti Terrorism Council as a terrorist organization, as well as by a host of other countries like the United States, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, the European Union.”
The NTF-ELCAC also stressed that it is not red-tagging because “there is no such thing as red-tagging.”
“In the first place, our Courts –including the highest court in the land—our Supreme Court –have already spoken: there is no danger to life, liberty and security when an individual or organization is identified as ‘FRONT OF THE CPP NPA NDF,” it added.
PROOFS, PLEASE
When asked to comment on the issue, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said it subscribes to the pronouncement of the NTF ELCAC.
“NTF ELCAC, as an organization, has its Arms long enough to cover and validate information. We believe that any information released were properly processed and backed by evidence whether documentary or personal accounts by former rebels themselves,” Major Cenon Pancito III, 3rd ID spokesperson, said.
“With the deceptive nature of the NPA they can make it appear somehow legal through above grounds organization but ends up taking up arms much die in an encounter. Let us not forget the death of Malvin Cruz and Remy Beraye. May we also listen to the story of Joy James Saguino or Amihan along with the long list of surrenderees,” he said.
Further, “this is not about the school as it is never sanctioned by the academe itself but by the CPP NPA discretely enclosing. We hope we can collectively address this problem.”
