ILOILO CITY — Itinanggi ng University of the Philippines (UP)-Visayas na recruitment ground ng New People’s Army (NPA) ang mga kampus nito sa lungsod at lalawigan ng Iloilo.
“UP-Visayas is a safe space where students are empowered to exercise critical thinking in a democratic learning environment,” ani UP-Visayas Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano matapos sabihin ni New People’s Army rebel Jeffrey Celiz sa isang interbyu na ang UP-Visayas ay isa sa educational institutions sa Panay Island na tumatayong recruitment centersng NPA.
“Making such a dangerous and baseless generalization exposes our students and other constituents to unnecessary risks and maligns an institution that has been a reliable partner of national and local government agencies in addressing various environmental and social concerns,” giit pa ni Camposano.
“I call on the relevant entities and on the members of the security establishment, as well as on our leaders in Congress, not to dignify unverified, irresponsible, and dangerous statements made by the likes of Mr. Celiz,” panawagan pa ni Camposano.
Bukod sa UP-Visayas, natukoy din ang dalawa pang institusyong pang-edukasyon sa Isla ng Panay bilang mga recruitment ground umano ng NPA.
Sa pagdinig ng Senado noong Agosto 6, iginiit ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na ang extension campus ng West Visayas State University (WVSU) sa bayan ng Calinog, Iloilo at Putian National High School (PNHS) sa bayan ng Cuartero, lalawigan ng Capiz ay mga recruitment center ng NPA .
