The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely monitoring what it describes as a shift in the recruitment strategies of rebel groups.
This follows a recent encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental that resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals.
According to PNP Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., authorities have observed that social media is now being used as the primary platform for recruitment.
He noted that young people are increasingly being targeted through ideological narratives and misinformation.
Nartatez added that recruitment methods have become more “subtle,” involving community immersion and cause-oriented messaging.
In response, the PNP chief has ordered the strengthening of community-focused police presence in Negros and nearby high-risk provinces.
The police also plan to launch more aggressive information campaigns in schools and barangays to expose specific recruitment tactics.
Nartatez emphasized that the youth sector remains particularly vulnerable, urging parents to be more vigilant while assuring that the police will continue to push awareness campaigns on the issue.
