The recruitment efforts of the New People’s Army (NPA) at the universities and colleges in Northern Mindanao have reportedly weakened and no longer effective, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has said.

“Medyo hirap sila ngayon itong sinasabi nilang cadre, cadres are supposed to be the one recruiting ito mga estudyante,” 4ID Commander, Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo II, said.

The military said the implementation of distant learning methods during the pandemic helped reduce the exposure of students to recruiters.

A state university in Cagayan de Oro launched several civic organizations to ensure that students will not be exposed to the rebel group.

“Aside from the academic activities, we encourage them to have extra curriculars activities para ang ilang time ma consume gyud sa school and extra-curricular activities, involvement in the community,” Ambrosio Cultura II, systems president of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), said.

The military and other government agencies will continue to monitor the movements of the NPA to thwart possible recruitment activities in schools and communities.

With the relentless focused military operations, 4ID said only one guerilla front remains operating in Caraga region.