Parents complain of students’ telecon with Joma Sison, ‘brainwashing’ —AFP

Amid the denial of some schools that their students are being tapped by communists, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday maintained that academic institutions have been used for communist recruitment.

"We are firm in our position that some of the schools in that list have been, and widely known to have been used, as fora for communist recruitment. Some of the other schools in the list are being targeted," AFP spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

"The students are agitated initially towards activism; mobilize them as militants, and finally recruit them as regular NPA (New People's Army) cadres and leaders to fill up the dwindling number of political cadres," Arevalo added.

Arevalo, however, admitted that some of the listed schools are still subjects of continuing validation.

Arevalo pointed out that the naming of schools was not done to brand them as communists, but to raise awareness among the public against activism and radicalism.

"In doing this, the AFP wants to create awareness among our people especially parents who were complaining and asking for our help," Arevalo said.

He noted that the military has received reports from parents saying that their children are allegedly being subjected to activities which may adversely influence their thinking as regards Martial Law and communism.

"We have reports of concerned parents communicating to us their worries about the 'brainwashing' activities that their children were subjected to like films showing; video teleconferencing with a terrorist leader like Jose Maria Sison; and Martial law reenactments during break time of high school students," he added.

The military said it is reaching out to government agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and officials from schools to prevent any untoward plan of communist groups.

"The AFP, as an institution, is the protector of constitutionally guaranteed rights of our people. We do not censure, but as a matter of fact guard and support freedom of speech, of assembly, and of redress of grievances," Arevalo said.

"But such should be done in a manner peaceful and orderly, and with due respect to other people’s rights. Because the moment there is resort to violence, the AFP will be there to prevent lawlessness," he added.

Earlier, more schools have denied being involved in the recruitment of new CPP members as part of the alleged Red October ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes said the military's move was an attack on academic freedom and free speech. —NB, GMA News