Info drive seeks to shield Agusan youth from NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2023): Info drive seeks to shield Agusan youth from NPA recruitment (By Alexander Lopez)

PROTECTING THE YOUTH. The Philippine Army 23rd Infantry Battalion conducts a daylong information education campaign for 50 Grade 12 students in Barangay Lingayao, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, on Wednesday (June 14, 2023). The activity intends to protect the students from the influence and recruitment of the communist New People’s Army rebels. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

BUTUAN CITY – At least 50 Grade 12 students from a remote village of Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte benefited from a daylong Information Education Campaign (IEC) conducted by the Philippine Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB).

In a statement Thursday, the 23IB said the awareness drive in Barangay Lingayao forms part of the intensified interventions for the youth amid the continuing threat of recruitment by communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

“The activity {on Wednesday} also aimed to empower the youth sector and prepare them to become future leaders and responsible citizens in their communities,” the 23IB said.

The IEC also imparted peace advocacy and presented the development initiatives of the government in Lingayao and Las Nieves as a whole.

“During the IEC, the recruitment strategies and processes of the NPA were also presented to the Grade 12 students for their awareness and protection,” the 23IB said.

One student, whose name was withheld for security reasons, said the IEC enlightened her about the deceptions of the NPA rebels, especially in recruiting the youth to join their futile armed struggle.

“I am thankful to the government, especially to the 23IB, for this timely information dissemination to safeguard us from the threats and recruitment of the rebels,” she said in the vernacular, as quoted in the 23IB statement.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Balingao, 23IB commander, welcomed the students' enthusiasm during the IEC and thanked the school administration for allowing their students to undergo the activity.

"These young people are our country's future leaders. Let us put them on the right track and help them achieve their goals and dreams,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203593