Albayalde denies 'brainwashing' parents of missing students

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday dismissed the accusation of youth activist leaders that security forces had brainwashed the parents of the missing students who supposedly joined left-leaning groups.

"Hindi po kami ang nag-brainwash doon," Albayalde said in a press briefing. "Lumapit sila sa amin para mag-file ng kaso."

"Just like any ordinary citizen na kung mayroong complainant na pupunta sa aming tanggapan ay kailangan naming bigyan ng police assistant," he added.

Albayalde said the police were also resource persons during a Senate inquiry last week where parents of missing teenagers recounted how their children went missing after being recruited by leftist groups.

"Doon sa Senate hearing, di po kami nag-initiate noon. It’s Senator Bato (Ronald dela Rosa) or probably group of senators. We are invited as resource persons,” Albayalde said.

On Monday, Anakbayan spokesperson Alex Danday and League of Filipino Students spokesperson Kara Taggaoa claimed that the police are brainwashing the parents of the students.

Youth leaders denied that they were being brainwashed by communists, noting that they could decide for themselves.

The PNP chief, meanwhile, said there are other ways for the students to air their sentiments about government issues.

"Itong mga bata na 'to, they're supposed to be our pag-asa ng bayan... there are several ways on how you can air your concerns sa gobyerno," Albayalde said.

"Probably magsumikap ka, magtrabaho ka. Who knows later on magkaroon ka ng puwesto na magka-chance ka na baguhin ang lahat para sa kalahatan," he added. —KBK, GMA News