Police violently dispersed the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) students’ rally at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on February 12. The youth protested against the then pending National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill saying it would allow further privatization and commercialization of university education.

They denounced Congress, not only for advancing the bill, but for denying the representation of PUP students in the deliberation. According to the groups, led by the PUP Students’ Central Council, instead of talking about privatization of the university, its funding should be increased so that it can accomodate more students.

Several students participating in the protest who were supposed to hold a program in front of Congress were hurt and injured. More than 50 policemen blocked the protest and bludgeoned the students.

Human rights groups condemned this case of police violence against young people. Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City also spoke to denounce the dispersal of the rally.

Despite this, the PUP students demanded that some representatives of the groups join the hearing to assert their position and objections. Kim Modelo of the PUP Office of the Student Regent and SAMASA PUP Chairperson Ronjay Mendiola were granted entry.

In the afternoon of that day, students also protested at PUP-Santa Mesa to register their opposition to said proposal.