RTF-8 Leads Anti-Terror Awareness Drive for Student Interns in Eastern Visayas

Posted on Mar. 8, 2026 at 7:38 am

TACLOBAN CITY — The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Eastern Visayas (RTF-8 ELCAC), through its Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) Cluster, organized an anti-terrorism information caravan on March 19, to educate student interns about the risks of violent radicalization.

The event was aligned with Republic Act 11479, also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which aims to prevent and penalize terrorism in the country. It focused on raising awareness, especially among the youth, who are considered vulnerable to recruitment by extremist and insurgent groups.

A representative from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in Eastern Visayas, who requested for anonymity, stressed the importance of collective action in addressing terrorism and radicalization.

“We also encourage the participation of all sectors. Hindi lang si government ang tutulong dito. Kailangan natin ang iba’t ibang sektor. Kailangan namin kayo para magtulungan tayo para matapos natin ang problemang ito,” the NICA representative said.

He emphasized the need for cooperation from the government, schools, communities, and the youth themselves in addressing these issues.

He also cautioned students to be careful about joining organizations with unclear intentions.

“May mga organizations na involved sa recruitment. That’s why we remind students not to join organizations na hindi malinaw ang layunin,” he added.

Another speaker, who is a former rebel, clarified that the campaign aims to raise awareness and protect students, not suppress student activism.

He clarified that the government’s intention in this forum is to raise awareness among students, not to hinder their activism, but to prevent them from being recruited by violent groups.’

He emphasized that while students have the right to express themselves and engage in social issues, they should be vigilant against groups that may exploit their ideals.

Organizers stated that the information drive is part of a larger effort to safeguard the youth from manipulation and involvement in armed conflict while promoting public safety and national security.

The forum brought together student interns from various institutions, including Eastern Visayas State University, Eastern Samar State University, Biliran Province State University, Leyte Normal University, Northwest Samar State University, Leyte Colleges, and ACLC, as well as representatives from media organizations such as RMN Tacloban, K5 News, The Vanguard, and the Philippine Information Agency.

Organizers expressed optimism that the initiative will empower students to become well-informed, critical, and responsible individuals who can contribute to peace-building in their communities. — Rialin Lauderes, NWSSU Intern

(Photo by Rialin Lauderes)