Youth groups make presence felt vs. communism

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10, 2021): Youth groups make presence felt vs. communism (By Marita Moaje)

NO TO REDS. Members of Masbate youth organizations denounce communist terrorist groups in this undated photo. Young Filipinos have been more active in denouncing communist terrorist groups’ recruitment in campuses and indigenous peoples’ communities. (Photo courtesy of Masbate CPS)

Tired and angered by the atrocities of communist terrorist groups, especially against the most vulnerable members of the society, several youth groups came together to help the government end insurgency.

The League of Youth of the Philippines for Peace and Development (LYPPAD) Movement believes that a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous nation can only be built through legal and non-violent advocacies.

“We stand against all acts of atrocity by the communist terrorist groups toward innocent lives; and all duplicitous acts by front organizations that recruit students to become child soldiers revolting against the Constitution and the Government and other duly constituted authorities,” the group said in a manifesto of support issued recently.

LYPPAD is composed of youth groups that include the Indigenous Peoples Youth Movement for Peace and Progress, Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization, Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo, Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth Inc., and Supreme Student Council Society of the Philippines (SSCSP).

The group aims to foster sustainable development and eventually be able to promote unity, empower individuals, and create economic opportunities in communities.

“We condemn all ideologies and heinous crimes that destroy the foundation and moral fiber of our society,” the statement read.

LYPPAD is also calling on other youth organizations to unite with them and establish a movement that will protect the youth’s ideals and aspirations.

The SSCSP joined Monday's "Tagged: Debunking Lies" weekly online press conference and lamented how the youth’s potentials are wasted once they get involved with organizations connected with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The group’s vice president, Kim Soguilon, said if leftist groups try to pull students off campuses, they will counter by organizing activities that will encourage the youth to love and appreciate the country and their families.

The CPP, NPA, and NDF are tagged as terrorist groups in the Philippines while the European Union, through Council Decision 2011/70/CFSP dated Jan. 11, 2011, designated the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

The CPP-NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152897