The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Region 3 organized a one-day Information Education Campaign (IEC) on September 5, 2025, at Duquit National High School in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
The activity, led by the 1st Civil Relations Group (1CRG) of the Civil Relations Service, AFP, brought together 1,200 students to promote awareness and uphold the country’s sovereignty and territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and national security. This initiative was part of the AFP’s Communication Plan “Mulat,” which aims to educate the public about the truth behind China’s misinformation and malign influence operations in the WPS, emphasizing the importance of patriotism, unity, and collective action in defending the country’s maritime sovereignty.
Aside from advocating for the West Philippine Sea, NICA3 also discussed the deceptive recruitment tactics of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), backed by a testimony from a former rebel who shared her personal experience of being misled into joining the New People’s Army – the CTG’s armed wing.
1CRG CRSAFP Group Commander Col. Enrique G. Rafael, PA, highlighted the significance of the event, particularly in light of China’s Illegal Coercive, Aggressive and Deceptive activities in the WPS.
“Protecting the Philippines’ maritime territory, especially the West Philippine Sea, is not just a military or political duty but a generational responsibility that begins with youth awareness and action, we aim to further strengthen the youth’s understanding of their role in building a peaceful and better nation,” he said.
Col. Rafael also emphasized that while the AFP is shifting its focus to external defense operations, the gains made in internal security operations should not be abandoned but rather sustained.
“In our IEC activities, we always include discussions on the deceptive recruitment tactics of the remaining Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), as we should remain vigilant and prevent their resurgence, isolating the youth from CTG deception, exploitation and recruitment” he added.
Duquit High School principal Raquiel M Del Mando, also expressed his gratitude and warm welcome for the activity conducted in their school.
“We feel fortunate to have this opportunity to keep our students informed about the West Philippine Sea and national security,” he said.
NOLCOM reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation’s territory and sovereignty by disseminating accurate information and carrying out its mission as a jointly engaged, sustainment-maintained, and readiness-trained force in pursuit of lasting peace and progress.
