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
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