ILOILO City – For the commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Brigade based in Dingle, Iloilo, the New People’s Army’s (NPA) flurry of recruitment activities in Panay Island is proof that it is in decline.
“These are signs of desperation. Their membership is dwindling so they needed to recruit,” said Brigadier General Pio Diñoso.
NPA recruitment flyers were circulating in the towns of Tigbauan and Miag-ao in Iloilo province’s 1st District.
“Baka wala na silang makuha sa taas sa bukid,” said Diñoso.
The flyers read, “Pamatan-on mag-entra sa NPA” and “Mabuhay ang ika-49 nga anniversary sang NPA.”
The NPA marked its 49th anniversary on March 29.
It indicated the rebels’ further weakening, not strengthening, was how Diñoso viewed the recruitment activities.
He estimated the number of rebels in Panay Island to have dropped to 150.
Many left the underground movement while others died in clashes with government troops, said Diñoso.
The general warned the public, most especially impressionable male students, against being fooled by NPA recruiters.
“They would befriend you and invite you to attend their pulong-pulong (discourses). Then they would take you to the mountains for immersion,” said Diñoso.
He advised students to better focus in their studies.
“Hndi niyo alam magsisimula ‘yan sa maliit na pulong-pulong . ‘Wag kayong madaling ma-sway or ma-enganyo,” said Diñoso.
He urged parents to check if their children are indeed going to school.
It is not only during their anniversary month that the NPA recruits new members, said Diñoso; the recruitment is year-round.
“Kasi sa kanila mabilis ang turn-over. May mag-join tapos after six months or one year aalis, uuwi,” said Diñoso./PN