Clash in Claims

The recent allegations by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that West Visayas State University-Calinog Campus (WVSU) and Puti-an National High School (PNHS) are recruitment grounds for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have stirred controversy and concern in Western Visayas.

The PNP’s claims, presented during a Senate hearing, have been met with firm denials from the institutions involved and skepticism from the Philippine Army itself.

The PNP’s accusations are not new. This is the third time in recent years that WVSU has been linked to insurgent recruitment. Yet, each time, the university has strongly denied these claims, citing a lack of evidence and the potential harm such allegations cause to its reputation and its students.

The latest incident has drawn a sharp response from local leaders like Barangay Captain Nemecio Fuyunan of Cuartero, Capiz, who branded the PNP’s list as “fake news” and emphasized the peaceful state of the school and its surrounding community.

Adding another layer to this issue is the stark contrast between the pronouncements of the PNP and the Philippine Army.

While the PNP insists on the presence of recruitment activities, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, under Major General Marion Sison, has outright denied any such occurrences in these educational institutions.

The discrepancy between two major government security forces raises serious questions about the reliability of the PNP’s intelligence and the broader implications of such uncorroborated accusations.

The divide between the PNP and the Army on this issue is disturbing. It underscores a lack of coordination and a potential lapse in the rigorous verification of intelligence, which is crucial when the reputations of educational institutions are at stake.

False or poorly substantiated claims of rebel recruitment can not only damage the institutions involved but also create unnecessary fear and distrust within the community.

Moreover, this issue highlights the ongoing and controversial practice of red-tagging in the Philippines—a practice where individuals or organizations are unjustly labeled as communists or terrorists, often without substantial proof. In fact, the Supreme Court has already ruled that red-tagging endangers the lives and safety of those subjected by such attacks.

Such actions can lead to serious consequences, including harassment, threats, and even violence against those accused. Educational institutions, which should be safe spaces for learning and intellectual growth, are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of red-tagging.

The PNP and other government agencies must exercise extreme caution and responsibility in handling and disseminating information that could have far-reaching consequences. They must ensure that their claims are backed by solid evidence and that they do not recklessly endanger the lives and reputations of those involved.

As this issue unfolds, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including educational institutions, local governments, and law enforcement agencies, to work together to address any legitimate concerns about security and insurgency. However, this must be done with utmost respect for truth, evidence, and the rights of individuals and institutions.

The PNP and the Army must reconcile their conflicting narratives, as the public deserves clear, consistent, and accurate information. In the meantime, educational institutions like WVSU-Calinog, PNHS, and UP Visayas must continue to uphold their commitment to providing safe and nurturing environments for their students, free from the fear of unjust accusations.

Ultimately, this situation calls for a balanced approach—one that protects both national security and the integrity of educational institutions. It is a delicate balance, but one that must be maintained to ensure the future of the youth and the preservation of democratic freedoms in the Philippines.