UP upgrades security after crime vs. prof but campus to remain open

There will be additional security patrols at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus following last week's robbery incident that victimized a professor, although the area will remain open to the public.

Newly-appointed UPD chief security officer John S. Baroña on Wednesday maintained that the university “has no control” over the number of people who go to or pass by the sprawling campus every day.

“Open areas in the Campus are patrolled and monitored by our UPD Police and Security Service Brigade,” Baroña said via email. “However the University is open and accessible to the general populace and the University has no control over the volume of foot traffic in the University.”

Exactly a week ago, Prof. Perlita Frago was robbed and taken for a ride in her own vehicle by three armed men at the parking lot in front of Palma Hall. The suspects were able to take away P29,000 in cash, an iPhone and several pieces of jewelry.

Baroña said they are now coordinating with the Quezon City Police District for the ongoing investigation on the robbery, the third crime incident that happened within the campus this year.

“We're studying crime incidents in campus for the identification of hot spots,” said Baroña.

Baroña stressed that the administration is focused on the consistent implementation of the security amendments from 2012.

Other than the new traffic procedures around the university, he said the UP ID system ensured that foot traffic to administrative or school buildings are restricted only to those with necessary passes.

Patrolling these areas are the UPD Police and the two private security firms hired by the university. Patrol schedules and deployment vary in every area, with each section receiving an equal number of guards for better response in case of emergencies.

“Private security personnel are mostly assigned to specific building or area assignments with provisions for quick response units, while the SSB and the UPD Police usually do patrolling exercise,” Baroña said.

Baroña also said all their equipment are in good working order, but placement of CCTVs for certain locations within the campus is still under process. — KBK, GMA News