NTF-ELCAC welcomes ‘Bato’ push for criminalizing SUC radicalization

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict expressed its support over Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's move to criminalize radicalization within states, universities, and colleges by the communist terrorist groups in the country.

Citing Dela Rosa's Senate Resolution 863, NTF-ELCAC media bureau head Joel Sy Egco said such a move would "insulate students from violent ideologies, protect their safety, finish education, and become productive members in nation building in the future."

He also stressed that the resolution targets to determine the legal liabilities of CTG radicalization and recruitment of students and prevent the same in connection with the implementation of Republic Act 11479, otherwise known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and other related laws.

"The resolution targets school officials like administrators and teachers who may be involved in the radicalization and recruitment of their young students to become party members of the communist movement and ultimately becoming a member of the New People's Army," Egco said.

During the hearing, former NPA top leaders categorically exposed the systematic recruitment and radicalization of students in various schools and universities "who later died in different military encounters with government troops."