PH Army clarifies: Rizal activists not depicted as terrorists

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 14, 2024): PH Army clarifies: Rizal activists not depicted as terrorists (By:Region 4A)

CALAMBA CITY (PIA) – The 80th Infantry “Steadfast” Battalion of the Philippine Army shed light on allegations of “red-tagging” recently raised by partylist groups in relation to the pamphlets being distributed to some senior high school students in Taytay, Rizal.

According to Lt. Col. Antony U. Ruby, Commanding Officer of the 80th IB, the pamphlets distributed to students do not contain any misinformation depicting activists as terrorists.

Ruby explained: “Not a single person or organization is named in the pamphlets that we have distributed. What we are showing and explaining through these pamphlets is the modus operandi often used by the Communist Party of the Philippines. This is to equip students on how to recognize and spot red flag indicator if they are being recruited.”

He also stated that the said distribution of Information, Education and Campaign (IEC) materials was part of their implementation of Community Information Awareness and Approach Program (CIAAP), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) Rizal, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and Hands Off Our Children Movement Inc.

The program aims to educate, raise awareness and provide accurate information to the public, particularly the youth about the recruitment tactics of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) in the country and show to students the potential dangers of joining such groups.

Ruby added: “The pamphlet only lists indicators to determine if someone is being recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines. We did not red tag anyone, and we will not do that because we comply with the laws and regulations, there is no truth to those allegations.”

The Commanding Officer also reiterated that the implementation of CIAAP is supported by the Provincial Peace and Order Council of Rizal through the Provincial Resolution No. 3 Series of 2023.

“The implementation of our program is supported by the Provincial Peace and Order Council of Rizal, as they believe that it is important for the people of Rizal, especially the vulnerable sectors such as the youth, fishermen, and other groups to be aware of the communist threat,” Ruby stated.

Meanwhile, in an official statement, NTF-ELCAC categorically denies accusations of “red-tagging” as the conduct of CIAAP only focused on New People’s Army (NPA) recruitment and did not target any organization.

“These seminars provided factual information that allows the youth to make informed decisions affecting their lives. The seminars were conducted transparently with the consent and cooperation of the Division of Rizal and attendance was voluntary per DepEd Rizal’s directive, contrary to reports of mandatory attendance without prior notice.” NTF-ELCAC stated.

The Army encourages remaining members of CTGs to surrender and stop spreading false beliefs for the sake of national peace. He also assured them that the government is ready to welcome them back and provide reintegration programs to help them start a new life. (PIA-4A)

https://www.pia.gov.ph/ph-army-clarifies-rizal-activists-not-depicted-as-terrorists/