Baguio students assail campus militarization

By Christel Baptista

BAGUIO CITY – Student-led organizations and institutions in the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio and progressive groups outside the university, held a protest rally at UP Baguio Oblation Grounds against what they called incursion to academic freedom by the State in line with National Day of Action by progressive organizations.

The National Day of Action was in accordance with the memorandum released by the Office of the Student Regent of UP declaring August 20, 2019 as the UP National Day of Walkout and Action, said Arthur John S. Astaquinta, regional secretariat of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines - Cordillera (CEGP-Cordi).

“The declaration was a form of condemnation to the actions of the state threatening academic freedom among campuses. The calls to defend UP and other state universities and colleges, as well as stopping state threats against the youth were tackled on the protest action,” he added.

“The mobilization aimed to denounce campus militarization which is strengthened with the recent action of the government. The administration pushed through the Mandatory Random drug-testing among the universities and Mandatory ROTC in Senior High Schools.

“The AFP-PNP proposed the infiltration of their forces in state universities and colleges, especially in UP and Polytechnic University of the Philippines. This is despite the fact that such policies may perpetuate red-tagging cases among progressive student organizations and individuals.”

The CEGP added, “The policy on allowing state force on campuses is also against the UP-DND Accord. The accord specifically mandates police officials to veer away from entering or being near academic institutions as they are declared as “safe zones."

"UP is a bastion for the vocal and critical youths towards various social issues. As Iskolars ng Bayan, we are equipped not to be silent in times when oppression takes place. Inside the university, we are given our freedom to express our thoughts, may it be positive or negative, through different activities such as mobilizations, discussions, and other events," said Hannah Añonuevo, UPB University Student Council councilor.

Añonuevo also added that the attempt of the AFP-PNP to enter inside state universities and colleges threatens the democratic freedom and safety of the students.

She said that AFP-PNP have cases of red-tagging progressive individuals and organizations, including UP as an institution, saying that the university provides leftist teachings and promotes anti-government ideas.

“Threats against progressive students and the youth are increasing,” students said. “With such policies, the government only strengthens their force to try to stop critical thinking among universities such as UP. This is a way of the government to suppress progressive organizations in campuses.”