Malacañang has called on the public to remain alert and discerning amid reports that communist rebel groups are leveraging corruption controversies—particularly those involving flood control projects—to incite unrest and recruit new members.

The warning was issued during a press briefing by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, who emphasized the importance of critical thinking and peaceful civic engagement.

“Mag-isip po tayo, hindi ito nadadaan sa dahas”

Castro urged Filipinos, especially the youth, to resist being swayed by groups that use public outrage as a tool for radicalization. “Let us not allow these issues to fuel anger against the government or anyone else. Instead, let us work together to eliminate corruption in the country,” she said.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) reported that rebel groups are actively exploiting legitimate grievances to target vulnerable sectors—including students, youth, and public servants—for recruitment into violent extremism.

Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., Executive Director of NTF-ELCAC, warned that the manipulation of public sentiment is a dangerous form of corruption. “The most dangerous form of corruption is not only the plunder of public coffers but the corruption of the Filipino mind,” Torres said.

Torres stressed the need to safeguard schools and communities as spaces for constructive debate and civic engagement, free from extremist influence.

The Palace assured the public that it will closely monitor any attempts to exploit ongoing investigations into flood control projects and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability.