PNU-Mindanao supports TF-ELCAC peace efforts

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 13, 2021): PNU-Mindanao supports TF-ELCAC peace efforts (By 26IB, PA)

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 13 - The Philippine Normal University (PNU)-Mindanao, one of the schools in Agusan del Sur, has expressed its support to the peace efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) during an Information Drive Towards Sustainable Peace Symposium held on March 10, 2021.

Anchored on the theme: "Protect the Youth. Protect the Future," the said forum was aimed to spread awareness to the youth sector about the recruitment schemes and deceptive lies of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), officially designated by the Philippine Government, United States and European Union as a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

The symposium was made possible through the joint efforts of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, 42nd CMO Company and 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, all of Philippine Army in collaboration with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and POINTY, Inc.-Agusan del Norte. In observance of the COVID-19 health protocols, the forum was conducted via Zoom platform.

A total of 93 students participated in the symposium which composed of 72 student leaders from the PNU-Mindanao Student Government headed by Mr. Alexis Q. Sebote, Student Regent, and 21 campus writers from The Torch Publication, the official publication of PNU-Mindanao headed by its Editor-in-Chief, Herminigildo Genon.

NICA 10 and 13 Regional Director Manuel M. Orduña lectured about the CTG's recruitment to the youth and student sector. "The terrorist group has already infiltrated schools conducting recruitment of students and involving them to all forms of violence and terrorism-related activities. Hence, the different concerned agencies that composed the Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict are intensifying its efforts to protect the youth and promote their rights and welfare,” he cited.

Also, Glynmer A. Jamito, POINTY Board of Trustee, encouraged the youth to become family-oriented individuals, responsible social-media users, disciplined and law-abiding citizens during his lecture on Youth Empowerment.

An open forum after the lectures paved way to the questions of the participants. "This symposium opened our eyes and minds about the activities of the leftist organizations, as a student leader, I realized that involving yourself in the armed revolution is a worst decision that might end your life. To my fellow leaders and to the youth sector, let's focus on our studies and make our parents proud by using our talents and skills in a right way," Sebote said.

Professor Jeanette T. Gongora, Director from the Office of Students Services (OSS) of PNU-Mindanao, highlighted the vital role of the educators in inculcating right and accurate information to the learners. She also emphasized that they support the implementation of the government’s Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end the insurgency.

"As mandated by the Executive Order No. 70, we in the State, Colleges and Universities (SUCs) are directed to render the necessary support to the Regional/Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. As the second parents of the students, it is necessary for us to protect them from the CPP-NPA terrorists," she said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB expressed his appreciation to all the participants and active partners for rendering invaluable support and cooperation with the unit that made the symposium significant and successful. "Thank you for your cooperation and we are looking forward for a more enhanced partnership with you in our peace campaign. The youth is our future and they play a significant role in nation and peace building. Let's protect and empower them to be advocates of peace. Let's be part of this campaign and help the government in achieving sustainable peace," he said. (2Lt. Cecille Tappa, acting CMO officer, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069395