In a virtual forum conducted by the Ilocos Sur Information Center of the Philippine Information Agency on June 17, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, a former cadre and operative of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Western Visayas under the CPP Regional Urban Party Committee in Panay Island, discussed to more than 200 youth in Ilocos Sur some alert signals to tell if a CPP-NPA member is recruiting them.
1. Identity
They are members of organizations under the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.
Celiz said these front organizations do not want to be called out or named as CPP allies but when they do rally, they raise red flags and/or placards that show similar CPP-NPA-NDF standard slogans.
He named at least 24 front sectoral organizations to include the Kilusang Mayo Uno and College Editors Guild of the Philippines, and party-list groups such as Anakbayan, Kabataan, Gabriela, and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, among others.
“Ito ay mga front organization na ginagamit na behikulo or mascara para mag-infiltrate, mag-radicalize at mag-recruit, at bawat isa nito ay may underground mass organization na patago at lihim na binubuo inside of these front organizations,” Celiz added.
2. Approach
They are anti-government.
“The key is makikita mo ang common sa kanila – anti-government palagi, laging mali ang gobyerno, at walang tama na Presidente,” Celiz said.
They inculcate in the youth’s mind their hatred to the government and to the authorities especially the police and the military.
“Kung puro anti-government propaganda ang ginagamit at kulang na lang ay i-describe nila ang military at pulis as demonyo or kalaban ng taong-bayan, kung ganoon ang tono, iwasan niyo na yun,” he said.
Their line of reasoning is “We need radical social change, we need to overhaul the system.”
“Mga ito ay sort of saying na sumali na kayo sa rebolusyon. Mga ganitong linyahan ay kailangang iwasan at maibunyag upang ma-identify. Bantayan natin ang mga ito,” Celiz added.
3. Intention
They unite to rally.
Celiz said even if they represent different front organizations or groups, they unite to rally during Labor Day and State of the Nation Address or what they call “red-letter days.”
“Sa darating na June 30, sigurado, sila-sila rin iyan. Maliit ang bilang subalit palagi nilang kino-kompronta ang pulis. Rally dito, rally doon,” Celiz said.
He added what he told about these organizations is not “red tagging” but is security awareness and security exposition.
