UPHOLD THE DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS OF THE STUDENTS: STOP THE HARASSMENT OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
PRESS STATEMENT
July 12, 2012
UPHOLD THE DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS OF THE STUDENTS:
STOP THE HARASSMENT OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
PROGRESSIVE IGOROTS FOR SOCIAL ACTION – Benguet State University condemns the recent harassment of its members last July 11, 2012 at Shimumura Park, Benguet State Univeristy, and pushes for the BSU administration to take immediate action against the repressive means of its “security” staff in the university.
Last July 11, 2012, around 5PM – 6PM, members of PIGSA, together with coordinators of the Cordillera Youth Center, were having a discussion at Shimumura Park in Benguet State University regarding the situation of the Cordilleran youth. Eight members, including the chairperson, secretary, finance officer and the two coordinators of CYC, were present at that time. At the end of the discussion, two men who claimed to be security staffs in the school, one identified as Pedro T. Picpican, approached the group and asked about the activity and the name of the organization. They also asked about an activity permit. PIGSA, meanwhile, is still on the process of talking with their adviser regarding the accreditation; therefore, they can not present an activity permit at the moment. At the same time, his companion was already taking pictures of the members without their prioir consent. They also took the names of the group, wherein the “security” staff claimed that the action was for their “security purposes and consumption,” and did not answer further the question of the members regarding the objective of the imposed actions other than “Bakit ba kayo tanong nang tanong?”
The members negotiated if it’s possible for the “security” staff to give a “stern warning” in the meantime, for there was no security memorandum disseminated among the students regarding the means of questionning student activities that stretched beyond the class hours and who did not have any activity permit, for the actions have frightened the members, who were also students in the university.
Whereas PIGSA – BSUrecognizes that there are limitations to their activities inside the university, especially if they have not been accredited as an organization yet. Regardless, the security means have practically violated the democratic rights of the members as students in BSU. The action of taking pictures without prior consent and listing the names of the members have harassed the party involved. Further, it is the right of the students to know the objective of the security means, especially if their names and pictures were taken. It is understandable and just to question student activities stretching beyond school hours; however, the actions inflicted by Picpican and another who claims to be a security staff as well, were a clear form of repression and of a violation of student democratic rights.
As a legitimate student and mass organization that empowers the Cordilleran youth for cultural and environmental preservation, PIGSA pushes for immediate action against the harassment.
We push that the BSU administration mandate its “security” staff to clear the names of all eight members and stop the repressive security actions undertaken in the university, for these kinds of actions destroy the democratic space in the university to free organization.
UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS OF THE STUDENTS AND OF THE CORDILLERAN YOUTH!
STOP THE HARASSMENT OF PROGRESSIVE YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS!
For inquiries, please contact:
09061855247
Tracy Anne Dumalo
ANAKBAYAN Cordillera Spokesperson
09081159303
Raymart Ramos
PIGSA – BSU Chairperson
Anakbayan Cordillera 