In a statement issued on September 25, the UP Diliman University Council urged the UP System administration to revoke the declaration of cooperation between the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This university council is made up of the campus chancellor, deans and professors.

The agreement, signed by UP President Angelo Jimenez and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr on August 8, opened the university to various AFP “initiatives,” including research projects, academic programs, and community engagement activities. It aims to utilize UP’s resources and expertise for the benefit of the military.

The council expressed shock and disappointment over the agreement’s nature. “We are deeply disappointed that while the UP community bravely defends academic freedom by condemning red-tagging, insisting on the UP-DILG Accord, and establishing a Committee on Academic Freedom and Human Rights (CAFHR) in each [UP unit], President Jimenez unilaterally entered into an agreement with the AFP without consultation.”

The council further noted that even those who initiated the agreement from the Center for Integrative and Development Studies (CIDS) did not consult other program convenors. The agreement was only made known to CIDS members after it was signed. “The agreement endangers our teachers, staff, and students, as well as our resources, spaces, and proud history of activism,” they added.

The council also highlighted that the cooperation sends a wrong message that UP could serve as a “think tank” for the military and that UP and the AFP’s goals can be in “strategic alignment.” It stated that “the missions of educational institutions and the military are fundamentally different.”

Echoing previous statements from various UP offices and organizations, including KASAMA sa UP and Defend UP Network, the UP Diliman University Council asserted that this agreement significantly violates academic freedom.

Following the UP Diliman council statement, the UP System administration rationalized and defended the agreement. President Jimenez blatantly disregarded the students’ and community’s concerns during a confrontation on September 26 at UP Manila after a UP Board of Regents meeting held in Salcedo Hall. Students held protests while the board was in session.