ILOILO – West Visayas State University (WVSU) – Calinog campus has vehemently denied allegations of recruitment activities by the New People’s Army (NPA) on its premises.
The denial came through an official statement released by Dr. Rosario Clarabel Contreras, the Campus Administrator, in response to a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) included in a Senate Inquiry on August 6.
Sen. Ronaldo “Bato” Dela Rosa disclosed the PNP report during the Senate Inquiry conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, focusing on the radicalization and recruitment of students in educational institutions by local communist terrorist groups.
Dr. Contreras emphasized, “As the Campus Administrator, I categorically deny the PNP report concerning NPA recruitment and insurgency on our campus. These claims do not reflect our institution’s reality.”
She assured that the WVSU-Calinog campus is committed to providing a high-quality education and maintaining a safe environment for intellectual development.
The Campus Administrator detailed the proactive measures taken by the campus, including vigilant security teams and annual security awareness programs conducted by their Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) in coordination with authorized government agencies. An internal investigation found no evidence supporting the claims of recruitment activities or insurgency.
Dr. Contreras also highlighted the campus’ commitment to transparency, integrity, and the rule of law, which she stressed has garnered overwhelming community support.
Furthermore, the campus offers programs that foster critical thinking, civic engagement, and social responsibility, she added.
During the Senate inquiry, Senator Dela Rosa mentioned that according to PNP reports, there have been 168 students from various high schools and universities recruited by the NPA from 2014 to 2024. Police Colonel Randy Arceo, Directorate for Operations of the PNP, noted that among 102 schools identified with NPA recruitment activities, three are in Western Visayas, including two in Capiz and one in Iloilo.
Dr. Contreras urged the public to seek verified information from reliable sources and cautioned against the damage unverified claims could cause to educational institutions and the future of their students./PN
