HERMOSA, Bataan — About 300 Grade 12 students, faculty and staff of Hermosa National High School attended a forum in line with the Awareness on Communism, Terrorism and Security (ACTS) for Peace campaign of the Philippine Army.
ACTS for Peace campaign gives consciousness to the ill-effects of terrorism and communism, strengthening security awareness and lessening vulnerabilities of the youth sector.
“The ideals of the youth today make them vulnerable to any form of radicalization. The need to prevent this is great as we see more and more child warriors and young people losing their lives in a war that they should not be part of. By giving them the right information, we give them protection,” 48th Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez said.
For his part, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard T. Agustin said they want to let students understand that sympathizing with the New People’s Army (NPA) or joining the armed struggle will do nothing but ruin their future.
“It is important for them to realize the extent of the damage these local terrorists have caused to our country and our people. We hope that with them being informed on the real score about these NPAs, they will now veer from this group and, instead, focus on being good citizens that will contribute to peace and progress in our country,” Agustin added. (CLJD-PIA 3)
