AFP warns vs alleged overseas NPA recruitment

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday warned against alleged overseas recruitment activities linked to the New People's Army (NPA).

“Before, hindi natin ito inilalabas, even for the media and the general public. But now, as this is a joint effort and collaborative effort, we inform you accordingly,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said at a press briefing.

“So, not to divulge the details as these are operational details, I just like to hone in that this has been an effective tool and it's effective and working towards a common goal,” she added.

The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division raised concern over the possible role of overseas activist networks in recruiting young Filipinos abroad.

This stemmed from the case of a Filipino-American who allegedly linked the armed group in the mountains of Occidental Mindoro.

Documents and personal belongings recovered in encounter sites, including journals and handwritten notes, confirmed the presence of foreign individuals within the armed group, according to the military.

Chief of the 2nd Division Public Affairs Office, Colonel Michael Aquino called on Filipino communities overseas to be vigilant against such recruitments.

“We encourage families and Filipino communities abroad to stay informed and to help ensure that young people are not misled into joining armed groups operating in the Philippines,” Aquino said. —VAL, GMA News