Students rally against PNP’s ‘unfounded’ CPP-NPA recruitment claims at WVSU Calinog campus
Photo courtesy of West Visayas State University Facebook page.
Student organizations at West Visayas State University (WVSU) have condemned allegations made by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that the WVSU-Calinog Campus is involved in recruitment activities for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Aug. 6, the PNP’s Directorate for Operations labeled WVSU-Calinog Campus as one of 23 schools allegedly involved in CPP-NPA recruitment.
However, WVSU Campus Administrator Dr. Rosario Clarabel Contreras firmly denied these claims in a statement, saying, “I categorically deny the report by the PNP regarding CPP-NPA recruitment and insurgency on our campus. These claims do not reflect our institution.”
The Lakas Youth Organization, Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan, and the University Students’ Alliance expressed their concerns in an official statement.
They emphasized that red-tagging — labeling individuals or groups as communists or terrorists without proof — poses a danger by inciting intimidation and violence.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling unequivocally condemns this practice, recognizing it as a threat to life, liberty, and security — rights enshrined in our Constitution,” the groups stated.
They highlighted that WVSU Calinog’s strong commitment to a safe learning environment is clear through its security measures and regular awareness programs with government agencies.
Dr. Contreras assured that WVSU Calinog Campus is committed to providing quality education and a safe environment for intellectual growth.
“Our security team is vigilant, and our AIRFORCE ROTC conducts yearly security awareness programs about insurgent recruitment in coordination with authorized government agencies,” she said.
The campus conducted a thorough internal investigation and found no evidence of CPP-NPA recruitment or insurgency.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, during the Senate hearing, advised school officials to profile students carefully, suggesting that certain traits could make them vulnerable to recruitment.
However, student leaders argue that these actions undermine academic freedom and violate students’ rights to participate in social and political discourse.
The organizations firmly rejected the accusations and called for respect for students’ rights to express their opinions without fear of unjust labeling.
“We stand with WVSU-Calinog Campus in firmly rejecting the baseless allegations of CPP-NPA recruitment,” they stated, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and constructive debate in a democratic society.
As this controversy unfolds, WVSU students remain determined to protect their educational environment from what they consider unfounded and dangerous claims.
