Students at the Southern Leyte State University-Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC) participated in a half-day event titled "Vigilance in Action: Strengthening Campus Safety with Anti-Insurgency Education and Illegal Drug Awareness Campaign" on April 24, 2024. The collaborative effort between SLSU-MCC, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maasin City, and the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) aimed to raise awareness about safety and security issues among students from the Social Work and Public Administration Department. The event started with opening remarks by Campus Director Mr. Frederick C. Aniga, followed by the introduction of the speakers by Student Auxiliary Services (SAS) head, Mrs. Aster Lynn Reoma.

Students attended sessions on various topics throughout the day, including National Security Threats. Private Rey Christian Sabado discussed the recruitment tactics of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), emphasizing their targeting of students and teenagers, particularly senior high school students and those aged 16-21. The session also included real-life stories of those who surrendered to authorities and those killed in encounters. The second topic was territorial recruitment, which Mr. Jan Rex Yuzal delved deeper into as he explained the methods used by the CPP-NPA-NDF to recruit members within specific areas. The last topic that was discussed was Drug Awareness; PLT Tyron Jason S. Labordo delivered a session on the dangers of illegal drugs and the effects of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), where students learned about different drug types and methods of use.

The event concluded with closing remarks by the Newly Appointed Police Commission Officer (NAPCO), PLT Jimmy A. Escobal, and the distribution of certificates to the participants. Organizers expressed their gratitude to the City Peace and Order Council, the City Government of Maasin, the Maasin City Police, the 14th Infantry "Avengers" Battalion, and Mayor Nacional V. Mercado for their support and for allowing the use of the Maasin City Gym.

(via Cindy Ella Layola | Pulse)