Twenty-six organizations, student councils, and publications from five Bicol provinces expressed solidarity and condemnation over the attack of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police against Bicol University youth and students.

On September 10, during the founding anniversary of the College of Social Science and Philosophy at Bicol University, police and trainees, carrying long firearms, barged into the university without permission. They roamed the campus and took photos of students. When teachers confronted them, they refused to delete the photos and sowed fear by brandishing their weapons.

On September 19, while students were studying and preparing for the Buenos Kontra Korapsyon on September 21, in front of the BU College of Science, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps officials surveilled them and took photos of the activity. When confronted, they immediately deleted the photos before leaving.

“We condemn any threat aimed to normalize the presence of police inside campuses, and we will continue to defend our university as a safe space for free expression and academic freedom,” the students declared.

They cannot accept the intimidation and monitoring by state agents against students participating in university activities.

“Schools are zones for safety, learning, and critical thinking, not places for intimidation by armed personnel,” the statement explained.

These incidents show the continuing harassment and surveillance of Bicol students. For years, councils, organizations, and publications in different universities across the region have faced Red-tagging, vilification, and other forms of state attacks.

In addition, creating the National Task Force-Elcac and passing the Anti-Terror Law worsened the climate of fear in campuses. These policies nurtured a culture of harassment, Red-tagging, and surveillance against even the simple act of expressing student grievances.

Instead of addressing the people’s needs, the state squanders public funds to suppress the rights of the youth, a sector that has long stood for truth and justice, the statement said.

“We call on all other student formations in the region to stand firm with us. Let us remain vigilant, expose every attempt to silence us, and assert our right to organize and speak out,” the National Union of Students in the Philippines-Bicol urged.

The following organizations and councils expressed solidarity: Legal Management Institute of Ateneo de Naga Students, The PILLARS Publication, Liga ng mga Estudyante sa Agham Pampolitika, Ateneo de Naga University – Liderato kan Nueva Atenista, Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – ADNU Chapter, Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyong Pilipino, Dulaang Agabaab, Bicol University Pre-Law Society, Scientia Online, Bicol University – Young Philosophers Society, Bicol University College of Science – College Student Council, Bicol University – Political Science Club, BUCIT College Student Council, Bicol University Debate Society, The Mentor – BUCE, Cassipi Online, Bicol University College of Engineering – College Student Council, Gymnus Kinesis Biscast, USI – Central Student Government, USI – Association of Psychology Students, The DEMOCRAT, CatSU Pre-Law Society, Aquinian Herald, CNSC College of Education-Student Government, SorSU Supreme Student Council – Sorsogon City.