CAVITE — Philippine Army troops took discussions on the West Philippine Sea and warnings about deceptive recruitment by communist armed groups to 2,165 residents during simultaneous barangay assemblies in five Cavite localities on Sunday, October 18.
The 202nd Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, through Joint Task Unit Ugnay and the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, held the one-day Community Information Awareness and Approach Program (CIAAP) in Noveleta, Rosario, Magallanes, Tanza, and Dasmariñas City, the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division said in a press release on October 26.
The sessions covered developments in the West Philippine Sea and recruitment tactics that the military attributes to communist armed groups, particularly those targeting young people.
"Some parents may not recognize when their children are being approached for recruitment, while others may only hear about the West Philippine Sea through the news. We want our communities to understand these issues, recognize the risks, and know how to protect themselves," said Brigadier General Ernest John Jadloc, commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade.
Major General Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said public awareness is important in protecting communities from recruitment into armed violence.
"We cannot expect people to recognize a threat if they do not know what to look for. Parents and young people should be able to distinguish legitimate opportunities and peaceful civic participation from attempts to draw them into violence," Sadural said.
He added that the West Philippine Sea is a national concern that extends beyond coastal communities. "The West Philippine Sea concerns every Filipino, whether they live along the coast or farther inland. People deserve to understand what is happening there and why it matters to our country," he said.
The activities were held with local government units, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The division said it and its partner agencies will continue community information activities across its area of responsibility.
Source: 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division Public Affairs Office, Philippine Army (press release, October 26, 2026). Photos: 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army.