CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) urged Kapampangan youth to take an active role in upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and national security.
This call came during a one-day Information Education Campaign (IEC) held at Duquit National High School in Mabalacat, Pampanga, which gathered around 1,200 students.
Led by the 1st Civil Relations Group (1CRG) of the Civil Relations Service AFP (CRSAFP), the IEC forms part of the AFP’s Communication Plan “Mulat,” which aims to educate the public about the truth behind China’s misinformation and malign influence operations in the WPS, emphasizing the importance of patriotism, unity, and collective action in defending the country’s maritime sovereignty.
In addition to advocating for the WPS, NICA also discussed the deceptive recruitment tactics of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), backed by the testimony of a former rebel who shared her experience of being misled into joining the New People’s Army—the CTG’s armed wing.
1CRG CRSAFP Group Commander Colonel Enrique Rafael highlighted the significance of the campaign amid China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities” in the WPS.
“Protecting the Philippines’ maritime territory, especially the West Philippine Sea, is not just a military or political duty but a generational responsibility that begins with youth awareness and action. We aim to further strengthen the youth’s understanding of their role in building a peaceful and better nation,” he said.
Rafael also noted that while the AFP is shifting focus to external defense operations, gains in internal security operations must be sustained.
“In our IEC activities, we always include discussions on the deceptive recruitment tactics of the remaining Communist Terrorist Groups, as we should remain vigilant and prevent their resurgence, isolating the youth from CTG deception, exploitation and recruitment” he added.
Meanwhile, School Principal Raquiel Del Mando expressed gratitude for the activity.
“We feel fortunate to have this opportunity to keep our students informed about the West Philippine Sea and national security,” he shared.
Through this initiative, NOLCOM reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation’s territory and sovereignty by disseminating accurate information and carrying out its mission as a jointly engaged, sustainment-maintained, and readiness-trained force in pursuit of lasting peace and progress. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
