DRAWING from the heartbreaking experience of her own daughter’s alleged recruitment by the New People’s Army (NPA), a concerned mother is spearheading a call to action for parents to become more proactive in safeguarding their children from insurgent influences, both in schools and online.
Amid heightened concerns over youth recruitment by the New People’s Army (NPA), parents are being urged to be “vigilant” and actively scrutinize their children’s affiliations, especially those showing anti-government sentiments.
The warning comes from Luisa Espina, vice chair of Hands-Off Our Children, whose own daughter was allegedly swayed to join the rebel ranks.
Hands-Off Our Children is a group of parents who banded together to counter the propaganda and recruitment activities of the CPP.
She cited as an example her own daughter, Louvaine Erika, who was reportedly recruited by the NPA, as a cautionary tale.
“To my fellow parents, be vigilant about the organizations your children join. If the organization your child is joining harbors resentment towards the government, you should already be keeping an eye on your child,” Espina urged.
“It’s better to supervise your child than to regret it later. You need to be alert, unlike us, who weren’t aware of those recruiting young people to join the NPA in the mountains. We had no knowledge of that.”
Espina emphasized that parental awareness can prevent many young people and their families from falling victim to such recruitment.
She specifically named several organizations that she claims her daughter was involved with, including Anakbayan, Gabriela Youth, Kabataan Partylist, and LFS, among others.
She also cautioned that these groups are now reportedly using different names to conceal their true identities, urging parents to be more observant of the groups their children affiliate with.
Furthermore, Espina warned that recruitment is now happening online. She advised parents to check the websites and online platforms their children browse to ensure they aren’t exposed to recruitment attempts.
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron
