Troops capture NPA recruitment literature

CAMP DATU LIPUS MAKAPANDONG, Awa, New Leyte, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur – Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines recovered a sack of documents from the communist groups, Capt. Francisco P. Garello Jr., Civil Military Operation (CMO) chief of the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion told Manila Bulletin on Wednesday.

Garello said 28 books espousing the teachings of Mao Ze Dong, 392 news magazines of “Ang Bayan” and 195 news magazines of “Lingkawas” to be used for propaganda and teach-ins in order to entice recruitment from the civilian populace were seized.

The materials were captured by 36th IB troopers near Igis-igis, Barangay Cancavan, Carmen town, Surigao del Sur, Monday night Garello said.

Last year, soldiers also captured a number of rebel uniforms in the same barangay, he said.

“These reading materials coming from the CNTs are vital indicators that they are recruiting in the barangays,” he said. “They use this to shape the hearts and minds of the people so that they could entice them in joining their group. This only validates our statements that their organization is already falling apart due to massive surrenders and setbacks that they are in need of fresh recruits”.

Lt. Col. Xerxes A. Trinidad, 36th IB commander, said the discovery of the materials “is a manifestation that the community does not want the (communists).”

“I commend my troops in the capture of the CNTs recruitment materials. This can spoil their plan in propagating their terrorist organization and destroy the lives of the Filipino people. Let us unite and be alert on the CNTs manipulation thru this kind of deceptions to lure desirable recruits,” Trinidad said.

On the request of the schools and other stakeholders, the military is continuously conducting an Information Education Campaign to counter the propaganda of communist elements.