DND to 'terminate as well' pacts with other schools

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday they are eyeing to terminate agreements with other schools and universities following the decision to end a pact with the University of the Philippines banning the entry of cops and soldiers in UP campuses.

Lorenzana was asked if the Department of National Defense has similar agreements with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines as well as other schools where communist rebels allegedly recruit students as new members.

"We are looking into other similar agreements to terminate them as well," Lorenzana told reporters.

He maintained that the DND could unilaterally end the agreement with UP even without prior consultation with the university officials.

"Of course, ayaw na namin. We have determined that it doesn't serve the interest of the students," Lorenzana said.

UP president Danilo Concepcion said he regrets that the deal was ended unilaterally and that no prior consultation was done to address the issues raised by Lorenzana in his letter.

He said the move was totally unnecessary and unwarranted. He said this could have a negative impact on the relations of the DND and UP, adding that it may only sow confusion as well as mistrust among the public.

Concepcion is urging Lorenzana to reconsider his decision and instead have a discussion with UP officials regarding the matter.—AOL, GMA News