(Eagle News)–Two Senate committees have recommended a probe to determine if criminal charges should be filed against a sitting party-list representative and seven others in connection with their supposed roles in the recruitment of minors to the New People’s Army.
In their committee report number 10, the committee on public order and dangerous drugs headed by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, and the committee on national defense and security headed by Senator Ping Lacson asked that Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago, former Anakbayan Rep. Vencer Crisostomo and alleged militant leaders Charie del Rosario, Bianca Gacos, Jayroven Balais, Einsten Recedes, Alex Danday and Erica Cruz be subjected to the probe, and that charges be filed against them if warranted.
According to the panels, the recruitment of minors to the organization was a violation of Article 271 of the Revised Penal Code that states the recruitment of such minors to armed groups for exploitation and for the commission of crimes, among others, was banned.
The panels also directed the Commission om Higher Education and the Department of Education to sanction teachers who allegedly urged students to join protests aimed at destabilizing the government.
To prevent the recruitment of students into armed groups and to prevent terrorism, the panels recommended the occasional presence of policemen in campuses.
The panels also recommended the regular review of curricula and modules, and school activities to ensure they teach students to love their country.
The report is expected to be discussed in the plenary when the Senate resumes session in November. Meanne Corvera
