We are gravely concerned about recent reports about more school-campus crimes targeting students and teachers. There should be a thorough investigation into these crimes, and no efforts should be spared to catch and prosecute the people behind them.
The recent reports call to mind the attack on UP political science student and fellow youth activist Lordei Hina. Early last year, she was stabbed in the head several times. Later found unconscious, she was brought to a hospital, where she was confined for around three months. But even after her discharge, she had to undergo rehabilitation to regain her motor skills, speech and ability to recognize.
Why is her case taking so long? Has there been an independent, credible investigation as to the real motive of the attack? Are the efforts to bring to justice the perpetrator of this crime sufficient?
The recent crimes call for renewed discussion and collective effort among members of the UP community to resolve security issues in the campus. The security measures currently in operation should be reviewed. Any solution should immediately address the safety concerns of students, faculty members and school community without compromising the public character of the university, academic freedom and democratic rights in campus.
In this light, proposals to allow military and police encroachment into the campus or
Orwellian surveillance methods attacking civil liberties and rights in the guise of “campus security” should be rejected. Committees and task forces composed of representatives from various groups and organizations can be formed to act as defense and security corps. Securing the campus should also mean defending UP from state elements’ attempts to
attack the spirit of dissent and activism.
These unfortunate campus crimes should encourage the UP community to contribute more to the movement for a freer and more just society, which should end the cycle of
violence, hate and crime.
—VENCER CRISOSTOMO, national chair, Anakbayan, anakbayanphils@gmail.com