QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the academic sector to shield students from recruitment efforts by the New People’s Army (NPA). During a recent press briefing, task force officials emphasized that schools and universities remain “priority zones” for maintaining national security and promoting peace education.
The initiative focuses on strengthening the “Integrated Territorial Defense System” within educational institutions. By engaging with school administrations, faculty, and student councils, the NTF-ELCAC aims to provide a counter-narrative to extremist ideologies and offer students a clearer understanding of the government’s peace-building programs.
“Our goal is not to stifled academic freedom, but to ensure that our campuses are safe spaces for learning, free from the influence of those who seek to lead our youth toward armed struggle,” stated an NTF-ELCAC spokesperson. The task force plans to conduct more seminars and awareness campaigns that highlight the consequences of joining underground movements.
The task force also addressed concerns regarding “red-tagging,” asserting that their engagement with the academe is rooted in transparency and legal frameworks. They noted that several former rebels have come forward to share their experiences of being recruited during their student years, serving as a cautionary tale for the current generation.
As part of the 2026 roadmap, the NTF-ELCAC is looking to institutionalize “Peace and Development” modules in the curriculum of partner state universities and colleges (SUCs). This move is intended to foster a culture of peace and critical thinking among the youth, making them less susceptible to radicalization.