UP questions professor’s arrest

MANILA, Philippines — Top officials of the University of the Philippines (UP) yesterday questioned the lack of police coordination in Monday’s arrest of Filipino professor and unionist Melania Flores.

UP Diliman chancellor Fidel Nemenzo said the professor’s arrest at her home in the university’s premises was a “brazen disregard” of the 1992 agreement between UP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“The 1992 UP-DILG Agreement sets up protocols and procedures before the conduct of military or police operations within UP campuses. Among these are the giving of prior notice to the UP administration of such operations, clear identification of operatives, the wearing of uniforms, and the presence of faculty members as witnesses,” said Nemenzo.

Flores, who was charged over allegations of non-payment of Social Security System contributions of her helper, was freed on Monday after posting P72,000 bail set by a Quezon City judge.

In a press conference yesterday, Flores cited irregularities in her arrest, including the lack of due process as she was unaware that a case was filed against her.

Arresting officers, she alleged, told her that they do not recognize the UP-DILG agreement.