UP President says allegations of 'infiltration' lack factual evidence, serve as distraction to greater issues

The allegation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that some colleges, units, offices of the University of the Philippines condoned 'infiltration by communist rebels lack evidence, says UP President Danilo L. Concepcion.

"The UP administration has no knowledge about these recent allegations nor the details and circumstances surrounding these claims," Concepcion said in a statement.

He adds that UP officials are willing to discuss the details of each case "in the spirit of open dialogue, and to cooperate with authorities in going through the proper legal procedures in accordance with the rule of law."

"As it stands now, these allegations, lacking as yet any factual evidence, serve as unnecessary distractions for both UP and the AFP at a time when there are far greater crises, including a global pandemic, confronting us," said Concepcion.

"At worst, these allegations pose a very real danger to the lives and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the members of the UP community. These dangers come not only from elements of the military and the police, but also from vigilantes who seek to take justice into their own hands," he added.

Concepcion underscored that the University of the Philippines "has always been and will continue to remain a safe space for free thought and expression, intelligent criticism and dissent" that "do not condone violence, terrorism, or coercion as a means of political action from whatever source or for whatever purpose."

He underscored that officials are open to hold a dialogue and discuss the allegations with UP and other educational institutions "to dispel their chilling effect and encourage trust and confidence in our uniformed services."

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana terminated the UP-Department of National Defense accord.

"In pursuit of true national peace and development, it is time to terminate or aborgate the existing agreement with the end view if protecting and securing the institution and youth against the enemies of the Filipino people without sacrificing the freedoms we have preserved for about 30 years since the agreement was executed," Lorenzana said.

The UP-DND accord, in place since 1989, barred state forces from entering UP campuses without prior notice to university officials.

Its unilateral termination ignited protests and fears of "red-tagging" and militarization. -- BAP, GMA News