Scholarships used to lure students to join leftist groups, says ex-rebel

A former rebel said Wednesday scholarships to state universities were dangled to lure students to join leftist groups.

During the hearing of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs on missing students, Alvin Turero admitted he was one of those who used to recruit students.

“Sa murang edad na-recruit nila ako hanggang sa naging recruiter na rin po ako. Sabi ng Kabataan partylist sa akin pangakuan mo ng scholarship sa UP, PUP pero nung magpapasukan na, isa dun ‘yung pamangkin ko na narecruit ko, wala po ni isang nakapasok sa school,” he said.

He also said he targets children who have ill-feelings against their parents and those who are always on street.

“Bilang isang organizer ng kabataan, ang nakukuha ko yung may galit sa magulang, ‘yung mga yagit. Kapag may hindi kumakain, binibigyan ko ng pagkain. Kapag nabigyan ko ng pagkain akin na ‘yan, bibigyan ko ng pag aaral,” he said.

Meanwhile, rebel returnee Agnes  Reano said she was only 13 years old when she was recruited at Ateneo de Naga University in 1983 by the Alliance of Student against Tuition Fee Increase.

She said she initially did not know that she was already entering the communist organization.

“Noon hindi ko alam na pumapasok na ako sa organisasyon, ang alam ko lang ay pinahihiram nila ako ng libro kasi mahilig akong magbasa. Ang unang librong pinahiram sa akin ay The Prince ni Nicolo Machiavelli,” she said.

She said her first task was to bring ammunition from Naga to Legaspi.

“Ipapalibot ang bala, ida-duct tape sa katawan. Ba-byahe ako sa isang area dadalhin ko tapos may sasalubong sa akin,” she said.

She said she was recruited when she was in first year college and she became a member during her second year.

“Nung marecruit ako nung first year, estudyante ako by day, NPA (New People’s Army) by night. Pinanumpa akong kandidatong kasapi, kapag sinabing kandidatong kasapi automatic you become a member of the armed (NPA),” she said.

Reano said she was able to finish college but a week after graduation, she officially became a member of NPA.

“Kung tatanungin n’yo ako kung may recruitment sa school, kami ang buhay na patunay, buhay na ebidensiya na narecruit ako, naging recruiter ako,” she said. —LDF, GMA News