SENATOR Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa called on government agencies to conduct an investigation against Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel who was tagged as a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines and recruiter for the New People’s Army.

“Mere membership of CPP is not a crime. Pero ‘yung pag-recruit ng mga bata na maging miyembro ng NPA, that is a crime sa Anti-terrorism Act,” Dela Rosa said.

During the Senate hearing, Arian Jane Ramos, a former CPP-NPA combatant, categorically identified Manuel as having helped recruit students for the rebel NPA.

Ramos claimed she facilitated the revolutionary integration of members of the Communist Party of the Philippines from the youth and student sector, including Raoul Manuel, Daniel Dellosa, Kurt Sosa, Angelie Fortich, and others, within their area of responsibility in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

This was backed up by Kate Roca, who also claims to be an ex-CPP-NPA member, and said she was able to work directly with Manuel in the recruitment for Kabataang Makabayan and for the CPP within the University of the Philippines.

“In addition, Sir, I was able to work with Raoul Manuel when he was still a UP student regent. Kasama ko siya recruiting for KM and the CPP and we facilitated the NPA recruitment as well in the University of the Philippines. I am sure he will deny this — my good old friend Raoul Manuel and workmate,” Raca said.

Meanwhile, Kabataan Partylist denied the latest allegations against their representative.

“Inaamin ni Sen. Bato na naglunsad siya ng hearing para lang magbato ng putik sa kapwa mambabatas at gumanti sa tindig ng Kabataan Partylist na isulong ang imbestigasyon ng ICC sa war on drugs. Proud siya sa balak niyang mangdiin ng mga kabataang pumapanig sa mga biktima ng war on drugs,” the grouo said in a statement.

“Hindi ito asal senador. Pag-aaksaya ito ng rekurso ng Senado at pag-abuso sa pondo ng bayan. Hindi dapat gamitin ng sinumang opisyal ang kanyang posisyon sa gobyerno para umalpas sa kanyang pananagutan at atakihin ang mga kabataan at kababayan nating nagsusulong ng hustisya,” they added.