ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro questioned the appointment of several retired personnel in the Department of Education.

Castro cited the appointments of Ret. Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin and Ret. Brig. Gen. Noel Baluyan as new undersecretary and assistant secretary for administration in the department.

“Putting hawkish generals in key positions in the Department of Education is alarming. It shows the government’s intention to militarize the education sector, which is supposed to be a safe space for our children to learn and grow,” Castro said.

He added Mempin is a former commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Davao, while Baluyan is a former assistant division commander of the 3rd IB.

“Ano ba ang planong gawin ng mga military generals sa DepEd? Dapat ang ina-appoint sa DepEd ay ‘yung mga may knowledge, experience, education and competence sa education sector lalo pa at may hinaharap tayong education crisis,” Castro stressed.