Military claims universities in plot to oust president

The Communist Party of the Philippines is allegedly trying to brainwash and incite students in various Metro Manila colleges and universities to rebel against the government through film-showing activities that depict the dark years of martial law under the Marcos dictatorship, according to the military, writes Michael Punongbayan for The Philippine Star.

Brigadier General Antonio Parlade Jr, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assistant deputy chief of staff for operations, said the continuing and now intensified recruitment of college and even high school students form part of the ‘Red October’ plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte. Parlade identified the institutions as the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman and Manila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, Far Eastern University, University of the East in Recto and Caloocan, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Eulogio ‘Amang’ Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, San Beda University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, University of Makati, University of Caloocan City, University of Manila and Philippine Normal University.

A militant youth group has accused the AFP of endangering the lives of students with its disclosure of the list of academic institutions allegedly being used by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to recruit members. The UP Manila chapter of Anakbayan said the disclosure could have a huge implication on the youth as it would allow state agents to arrest, harass, abduct or even kill students they suspect of being members of the CPP. “This is a clear violation of human rights and freedom of expression,” the group said. “The allegation has no basis and simply amplifies the fact that the AFP and the Duterte government fear the strengthening opposition of the youth,” it added.
Full report on The Philippine Star site