CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Amid concerns about the potential recruitment of students in universities and colleges by Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), MGen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, emphasized that the group’s recruitment efforts are minimal and largely ineffective.
Cuerpo noted that the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of various learning modalities in schools have significantly hindered the CTGs’ ability to recruit students to join their ranks and take up arms against the government.
“Their efforts in recruiting, especially sa mga estudyante na naidentify nila, could be probable recruits nahihirapan din sila,” Cuerpo said.
(Their efforts to recruit, especially among the students they have identified as potential recruits, have been severely hampered.)
He further explained that the CTG’s recruiting difficulties are also due to the government’s implementation of Executive Order No. 70, which adopts a “whole-of-nation” approach to ending local communist armed conflicts. This approach has led to the continued weakening of the group’s firepower and strength, with its top leaders, cadres, and networks dismantled and its mass base support dwindling.
Meanwhile, BGen. Michele Anayron, Jr., commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, shared that two state universities in his area of responsibility, namely Central Mindanao University and Bukidnon State University, have shown no signs of active recruitment or radicalization of students by CTGs.
Anayron credited the current administration of these universities for their proactive approach to addressing issues raised by students, providing them with platforms to express their concerns.
“Hindi lang sa loob ng skwelahan pero makikita rin natin ang effect sa ating mga local chief executives na kung merong problema ang barangay o sitio nakikita natin na ang mga services pumapasok doon hindi lang ang mga LGUs natin but including din ang mga national government agencies and regional offices natin,” Anayron added.
(Not only within the schools, but we also see the positive impact on our local chief executives. When there are problems in barangays or sitios, services are promptly delivered, not just by the local government units but also by national government agencies and regional offices.)
As the 4ID continues to champion peace, security, and development in northern Mindanao, Cuerpo said they remain vigilant in monitoring CTG activities and countering recruitment efforts. They assure the public that they will sustain their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region. (JAKA/PIA-10)
