FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Students from Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) were warned on Communist Terrorist Group – Youth recruitment by the soldiers of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army during its education and awareness campaign held at Aurora Trading Center (ATC), Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on Wednesday, August 9.
The Commanding Officer of the 91IB, Lieutenant Colonel Julito B. Recto, said that their initiative was part of the ongoing campaign of their unit in preventing the infiltration and recruitment of the CTG among the youth sector.
Apart from that, the activity, which is part of the ASCOT Students Leadership Training, headed by John Christopher Salazar, SCSC Adviser, aims to increase the awareness of the youth sector about the deceptive recruitment of the CTG by empowering them as they play significant role in nation-building; accept challenges and identity issues among Filipino youth; and to inform them on the atrocities of the CTG; and on how they can contribute to the success of the national government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict.
Among of the topics discussed during the program was the Army Recruitment Process which aims to encourage the youth to join the Armed Service and be part of the Philippine Army.
In his message, LTC Recto Jr said that his unit will continue the information drive activities to spread the truth in CTG-deceptive recruitment activities in schools or the communities.
“It is important to raise the awareness of our youth so that their future will not be destroyed by the terrorist,” Lt. Col. Recto Jr. said.
Meanwhile, ASCOT SCSC Executive Vice President John Robert F. Naderos said that the information given by the Sinagtala troopers imparted their knowledge and insights on the vital role of the youth in countering CTG recruitment.
Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA, commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army lauded the continued initiative of the Sinagtala Troopers in increasing the awareness of CTG infiltration and recruitment among the youth sector in schools.
“We are looking forward to having more active collaboration with other schools within our Area of Responsibility to conduct similar activities to spread the truth on CTG’s deceptive agenda,” Maj. Gen. Costelo said.
