CATBALOGAN CITY — The 74th Infantry Battalion on Friday, March 1, 2024, organized a School Symposium at Capacujan National High School, targeting students in grades 7 to 12 to raise awareness about the deceptive recruitment strategies employed by the New People’s Army (NPA).
Led by Capt. Leopoldo Castro Jr. and supervised by Lt. Col. Jose Roy Manuel Dizon, the commanding officer, the event aimed to educate students on the propaganda techniques used by the NPA.
The symposium focused on building resilience among students against the deceptive tactics of the CPP/NPA/NDF. Former rebels shared personal experiences, highlighting how the NPA enticed them to join the group. These testimonies provided valuable insights into the NPA’s tactics, serving as a warning for students.
In addition to the personal accounts, the Speakers Bureau Team, led by Captain Castro, distributed informational leaflets as part of psychological operations (psyops) to counter NPA propaganda. These materials aimed to empower students with the knowledge to recognize and resist any attempts to recruit them into the NPA.
The event took place at Capacujan National High School in Brgy Capacujan, Palapag, Northern Samar. The students, ranging from grades 7 to 10, actively engaged in discussions, gaining valuable insights into the deceptive recruitment practices of the NPA and learning strategies to combat such efforts.
The 74th Infantry Battalion remains dedicated to raising awareness and building resilience among youth, protecting them from the influence of extremist groups.