Youth told to be wary of CTG
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| Garcia |
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – As the lead agency of the Strategic Communications (StratCom) Cluster under the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Venus Garcia urged the youth to bravely help their peers and end the communist terrorist group (CTG) recruitment and deception especially to their sector, during the recently held virtual forum entitled, "Freedom Talks: A Forum on Identity, Youth Empowerment and CTG Exploitation."
Dir. Garcia emphasized that a forum like this is very useful as this could open the minds of the viewers on the truth about the ruthless acts of the communist terrorist groups in the country.
“This gathering shows the power and influence of communication especially in this new normal. In one venue, we are able to bridge distance, break borders, and reach longer mileage in our deep dive of the truth and sustain our gains on freedom from exploitation and deception of the CTG. We all know that communication is vital. All undertakings such as today should be shared to all Filipinos including the government programs and support that should also reach the grassroots so that more rebels will return to the folds of law,” she said.
Hearing the resource speakers’ braced the discussion and the impressions from the participants, the StratCom head called on the youth to continue to support the efforts of the government agencies along with the different sectors in creating a peaceful and safe environment for all.
“To the young people and students, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual + (LGBTQIA+) community, women, indigenous peoples, among others who are with us today, thank you for joining. To emphasize, the youth is another vulnerable sector of the society. You are the target prey of the enemy. May the learnings and the enlightenment of the Truth and Kalayaan Series allow you to be critical thinkers every time you will encounter recruitment from the communist terrorist group. Since you have the truth already in your heart and mind, do not be deceived, do not exchange your bright future with violence. Finish your studies and contribute to nation building,” expressed Dir. Garcia.
Dir. Garcia also assured that the STRATCOM cluster will closely work and support the endeavors and programs of the SAKM cluster for an effective information, education and communication campaign which will result to behavioral change of the public especially the vulnerable sectors of the society.
She further acknowledged the contributions of the media partners who served as another strong force multiplier in advancing the cluster’s advocacies.
“To the ever supportive members of the SAKM and Strategic Communication clusters of the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict to name, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Commission on Higher Education, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, among others, thank you for your constant support and participation in all our endeavors to sustain peace and order in our communities. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
