Wall in UP Cebu campus vandalized

CEBU, Philippines — “CPP-NPA SALOT”

This was written in big bold letters by unidentified persons on the wall fronting the University of the Philippines-Cebu oblation square.

The words were found on the wall last Friday, which was also the 50th anniversary of the New People’s Army.

The University of the Philippines-Cebu administration has released an official statement regarding the vandalism that took place.

“Such act is an attack to our institution as a liberal academic community that promotes critical thinking. It is a clear attempt to create fear and intimidation among our constituency and perpetuate baseless red-tagging to constrain free discourse of ideas. We do not tolerate this,” the official statement read.

The administration urged the police to look into the case.

“We also urge our police authorities to investigate the matter and keep those responsible into account,” the statement reads.

The university assured that they will double security within the area and install more security cameras to prevent any future incidents.

The Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante, one of the student political parties in the campus, also issued a statement condemning the act.

“NKE UP Cebu vehemently condemns yet another malicious red-tagging attack on the students of UP Cebu and all progressive youth all over the city,” the official statement read.

They said the move will endanger the lives of UP-Cebu students who are critical of the government as well as student leaders who join protests to air their grievances along with cause-oriented groups.

“Fascist and reactionary state such as the Duterte administration would also undoubtedly be fearful of the rising youth and students movement against tyranny, which UP students are a part of,” the press statement read.

In a separate interview, Police Regional Office-7 director Debold Sinas said he has ordered an investigation to be conducted. He said that it could be that the one who made the markings is outraged over the atrocities of the NPA.

“I told the Cebu City Police Office director na i-investigate kung kinsa nagbuhat, kay it’s not a good sign. Posible dako ang kasuko sa naghimo ani,” Sinas said.

When asked about the allegations that government agents themselves did it, Sinas laughed and refused to comment.

“Lisod na na nga mag-comment ta, no comment na ko bahin ana,” Sinas said.

Cebu City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Royina Garma said that they will immediately investigate the matter.

“Iimbestigahan namin, nanawagan kami na kung sino yung nakakita will come to us para matulungan kami,” she said.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command commander Lieutenant General Noel Clement said that they would not dare to do such an act.

“We don’t do that --it will be the people na lagi napeperwisyo sa mga gawain nila ang may kagagawan niyan. Fifty years of making people’s lives miserable,” Clement said. — BRP (FREEMAN)