AFP talks with youth vs NPA recruitment

FILE: Col. Edgard Arevalo (PNA photo)

MANILA — The military is now launching dialogues and talks with the youth to prevent them from being lured into recruitment efforts of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

This was emphasized by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo, adding that they are coordinating with school and local government officials in this initiative.

He issued this comment when asked how of the plan of the AFP to counter the NPA’s recruitment drive among the youths.

“Alam natin yan, kung kaya nga ang mga effort natin sa ngayon ay makipag-ugnayan tayo hindi lamang sa mga pamunuan ng paaralan, kundi makipag-ugnayan tayo sa pamunuan ng local na pamahalaan at gayun din sa ating discussions with the youth (We are aware of that. That is why our efforts are geared towards coordination with school officials as well as local government units to form discussions with the youth),” Arevalo stressed.

Among the planned interactions with the youth are the so-called “Youth Leader Summit” which is a good opportunity for both parties to exchange views on the country’s peace and security situation, he added.