CEGP staffers ‘barred’ from UPCB grad rites

LETTER

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet chapter (CEGP-BB) strongly condemns the outright violation of campus press freedom and the students' democratic rights to mobilize and protest during the graduation ceremony of the University of the Philippines Baguio at the CAP building, Camp John Hay.

According to the reports from the members of UPB Outcrop, the official student publication of the University of the Philippines – Baguio, three members were barred from entering the hall where the ceremony is taking place. While asserting their right to enter the hall, a UPB administrator confronted them and asked for a stub to enter; disregarding the media IDs the members showed to him.

The members asked the said administrator why they need a permission to cover an official university event when it is their mandate to do so. The admin staff, however, insisted that the Outcrop members need a stub to enter the venue, and briskly walked away.

There were also reports that the security tightened only when the marshals sensed a protest action about to happen at the end of the ceremony. One UPB student council member, Khim Abalos, reported that he was asked to go out of the venue where he was peacefully taking photos of his friends.

“Wag kayong manggugulo rito. Sinasabi ko sa inyo. Labas ka! Exit, exit!” the administrator said, as narrated by Khim.

We call on the UP Baguio administration, which have always been our ally to the fight for press freedom and democratic rights, to immediately act on the matter and not let this incident happen again. 

This incident is like cancer; if left untreated, it will spread to other parts of the body and will eventually kill the person carrying the disease. This incident is indeed not an isolated case, even worse experiences happen other universities and colleges.

The Guild encourages all student publications in Metro Baguio to immediately report similar cases and other attacks on campus press freedom; and if possible, document said cases. We shall not let this act of repression stop us from narrating our stories, and ultimately, put us in silence. 

Especially that under President Duterte’s regime where we have seen a systematic attack on press freedom, we shall not be gagged.

For reports and cases, you can contact us through 0917-158-6448, directly message us here on facebook or at cegphils.cordi@gmail.com.

 Quimberlyn Ranchez

Vice Chairperson,

CEGP Baguio-Benguet