The Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division (5ID) and Kabataan Party-list gave contrasting accounts of a youth consultation at a state university in Tabuk, Kalinga after the military described the activity as a convergence effort for youth development while the latter questioned the presence of armed personnel during the gathering.

The 5ID said the gathering at Kalinga State University (KSU) on Friday, Aug. 14, brought together security forces, the academe, local government, and Kabataan Party-list in support of programs for young people.

“In a strong display of convergence and shared commitment to youth development, security forces, the academe, local government, and the Kabataan Party-list came together in Kalinga to support initiatives aimed at empowering young people and securing better opportunities for their future,” the 5ID said in a statement, posting a group photo showing Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co with representatives from the military, police, and state university officials.

However, Co said the military and police presence was not part of any agreement with her group when she visited the state university. She said security personnel were already at the KSU president’s office when she arrived for a scheduled discussion on the university’s needs.

Co recalled that she was in Kalinga for several engagements, including a meeting with KSU President Dr. Joy Doctor to discuss the university’s situation and requirements ahead of the 2027 budget deliberations. A youth consultation with KSU student leaders was also part of her itinerary.

Co said more than a dozen military and police personnel, armed and in uniform, were inside the KSU president’s office when she arrived.

According to Co, some military personnel spoke briefly with her and asked for a photograph that was later used by the 5ID in its press release.

“No further discussions occurred. There was no ‘unity’ that was discussed,” Co said.

The 5ID, in its statement, said the activity demonstrated cooperation among different sectors in advancing youth development in Kalinga.

It said the participating groups shared a commitment to youth welfare, peace, education, and community resilience.

“The participation of various stakeholders reflected a shared commitment to a common purpose, empowering the youth and creating a peaceful, secure, and progressive future for the people of Kalinga,” the 5ID said.

The 5ID also expressed appreciation to the university, local government, security and law enforcement agencies, and Kabataan Party-list for supporting programs intended to benefit young people.

However, in a series of Facebook posts on its official social media page on Sunday, the 5ID reposted several accounts criticizing Kabataan Party-list for “posing for the camera, then posting the complaint,” a characterization that appeared to contrast with the “united” stance presented in its earlier statement.