MY CHILDHOOD dream, like many other children, was to be a doctor, a lawyer, or a teacher, to be a useful member of our society. I would also like to help underprivileged children and women. Gabriela and Kabataan party-list are some of the organizations I see advancing my cause, but in recent weeks I have learned that the military and police are monitoring them due to their alleged association with the armed rebel group New People’s Army. According to the military, these two organizations are part of the New People’s Army’s so-called right wing that aims to recruit the marginalized members of our society such as young adults and women.
Since I had decided not to join, I looked for another organization and came across Red Cross. The Philippine Red Cross strives to provide high-quality life-saving services while also protecting the lives and dignity of Filipinos in difficult situations. Previously, it only provided blood and responded to disaster-related needs; now, it is also focused on providing comprehensive assistance that can alleviate the plight of those most in need.
We young people are brave, curious, and courageous but on the other hand we are easily persuaded and influenced, and people use it to take advantage of our weakness to deceive and manipulate us. If I hadn’t examined the background of the two groups, I would probably be on the street now carrying the placard or in the mountains holding a rifle.
Young people, let us be critical of the organizations we associate with. Maybe you’re just holding a placard right now, but tomorrow you might be holding a gun. Join only legitimate organizations in advancing your cause. – HAYA ATIENZA, Talisay, Cebu <atienzahaya@gmail.com>
