NTF-ELCAC Execs Demand Transparency, Urge Rep. Raoul Manuel to Address Allegations

August 12, 2024

In a decisive call for transparency and accountability, executives from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) have urged Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel to address the allegations linking him to the New People's Army (NPA).

During a press conference, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director, Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres Jr., emphasized the public's right to know the truth about organizations involved in the alleged terror grooming of students. He expressed concern over Rep. Manuel's absence from a critical forum and his refusal to appear in the Senate.

"The public deserves nothing but the truth about these organizations and how our students are being terror-groomed. His absence may be a sign that he has something to hide," Torres stated.

"We respectfully request Rep. Raoul Manuel to accept Senator Bato dela Rosa’s invitation so that we can, once and for all, uncover the truth and find ways to protect our youth from violent organizations," he added.

Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, Spokesperson of the National Security Council and Chair of NTF-ELCAC's Strategic Communications Cluster, echoed the call, urging Rep. Manuel to appear before the Senate to clarify the allegations and clear his name.

"Humarap po kayo sa Senado kasi dinadawit kayo ni Kate Raca sa diumano’y terror grooming and recruitment when you were both students. The only way to clear your name is by appearing before the Senate," Malaya said.

Justice Angelita V. Miranda, Assistant Solicitor General and Chair of NTF-ELCAC’s Legal Cooperation Cluster, also invited Rep. Manuel to the Senate. She underscored instances of recruitment and terror grooming activities in schools and emphasized the responsibility of educational institutions to address these issues.

"Many are questioning why you defend those who recruit. They say that Cong. Raoul went to the NPA area. After a week of what they call 'immersion,' you were asked if you would join the armed struggle. You reportedly cried and said you would help in other ways. Now, you are sitting in the halls of Congress," Miranda noted.

"So please, go to the Senate and address these facts that have been attributed to you," Justice Miranda urged.

She lamented the ongoing recruitment of youth, with some proudly identifying as NPA members. She cited cases of recruited students and called on universities to take action against terror grooming, urging a thorough investigation and concrete measures to protect the youth from being recruited into violent organizations.

Justice Miranda concluded, "This is not a figment of imagination; front organizations are recruiting children to become armed combatants."

Earlier, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, Chair of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, invited Rep. Manuel and Rep. France Castro after former rebels linked them to the NPA and its recruitment efforts at the University of the Philippines. Dela Rosa stated, "We would also like to afford him the opportunity to speak before his former colleagues, should he wish to defend himself."

Kate Raca, a former rebel who testified before the Senate, revealed that she and Manuel were together at UP recruiting. She challenged Manuel to appear and clear his name. ###

NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

09155506969