Hands Off Our Children, Mindoro youth orgs rally vs terrorism

Youth organizations in Occidental Mindoro mounted a peace rally on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the San Jose Municipal Grounds, calling for an end to terrorism and reinforcing support for community security amid recent developments involving alleged New People’s Army (NPA) activities in the province. 

The mobilization was led by Hands Off Our Children, in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Provincial Federation of Occidental Mindoro and the local chapter of Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terrorismo (KKDAT).

Organizers said the mobilization was prompted by mounting concerns over the security situation in Mindoro, which has recently been described by authorities as an area of heightened NPA presence. The issue gained further attention following the capture of Ceeka Garzon, a university student whom authorities allege had joined the NPA.

Conflicting narratives have since emerged regarding Garzon’s identity. Several groups identifying as human rights advocates maintain that she was an artist and cultural worker immersed in Mangyan communities. However, the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, in a statement posted on April 4, asserted that Garzon had already admitted to being a member of the NPA.

As exchanges between military officials and organizations linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) continue, local stakeholders emphasized that communities on the ground remain directly affected by the ongoing tensions.

According to organizers, the rally highlighted the strong involvement of the youth sector in peacebuilding initiatives, particularly in areas impacted by insurgency. Participants highlighted the need for collective vigilance and proactive engagement in safeguarding their communities from violence and radicalization.

In an interview with Ms. Annabelle Sabado, a representative from Hands Off Our Children Movement Inc., and a mother whose son also joined the New People’s Army before, said that the organization expresses solidarity with calls to end terrorism in the province, stressing that local communities—especially the youth—are being disrupted by recruitment efforts. 

The group warned that young individuals are being drawn into armed activities, which could lead to instability in Mindoro.

“Ang Hands off Our Children Movement Inc ay nakikiisa sa panawagan na itigil na ang terrorismo sa Mindoro… ang mga kabataan at mamamayan ng Mindoro ay tahimik namumuhay subalit dahil sa pagrerecruit… ginagawang armado… ang siyang magdudulot ng kaguluhan sa probinsiya,” she said.

She also further raised concern over claims that certain groups attempt to obscure facts during armed encounters and mislead the public, emphasizing their opposition to actions that endanger the lives and future of the youth and their families. 

“May mga organisasyon ang nagtutungo doon upang itago ang katotohanan at linlangin ang ating kababayan… kami ay tumututol sa gawaing ito sa pagsisira sa buhay at kinabukasan ng mga kabataan at sa pamilya nito”.

Among those present were SK Provincial Federation President Ainah Baticados and other SK officials, who collectively expressed their call for sustained peace efforts across Occidental Mindoro. Speakers during the event also raised concerns over the alleged presence of groups with ties to leftist organizations in San Jose, while cautioning against the proliferation of disinformation on social media platforms.

The gathering concluded with a unified message from participants, urging fellow Mindoreños to stand together in promoting peace, rejecting terrorism, and fostering an environment grounded in truth and community solidarity.