KEEP AFP OUT OF OUR SCHOOL! NO TO CAMPUS MILITARIZATION IN BENILDE! UPHOLD STUDENTS' ACADEMIC FREEDOM!

In a post last October 10, 2020, Center for Campus Art (CCA) Director Gerry Torres had publicly considered a joint project with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), after paying a visit to AFP Secretary Joint Staff Col. Eugene Osias IV. He has since stated that no conclusive agreement was made between the CCA and the AFP.

We would like to point out that in light of the heightened militarization of civilian areas in the name of "community quarantine," the rampant human rights violations (HRVs) and red-tagging that the AFP has engaged in, it is ultimately against the values that the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde stands for to provide these state agents a cultural space and a free pass to enter the campus.

It is against school policy to allow military elements, and/or police into the school campus and to interfere with student activities, as stated in the Handbook, except in cases of local emergencies.

The issue around the possible CCA and AFP collaboration stems from the fact that the threat of state surveillance and repression at this time is very real, and also from the fundamental problem that the administration of the campus is not properly listening to the grievances of the community. In this time of crisis and uncertainty, we challenge the administration of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to listen to their students!

If you are concerned about the safety and well-being of the Benildean community, sign the petition and uphold the call for THE THREE BENILDEAN DEMANDS!

THREE BENILDEAN DEMANDS

1. The administration of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde must prevent any possible campus militarization that may take place.

   Any possible AFP or PNP collaboration or consultation with any department that enables them to access the school's facilities or records, endangering the community and establishing a regular presence and platform in the campus and school community at-large, should be opposed.

2. The administration of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde must stand with students, faculty and staff for academic freedom against state repression, militarization and surveillance in the midst of this pandemic.

   The position of the administration must be against campus militarization if it truly upholds academic freedom and putting the learners first.

3. The administration of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde must listen to and acknowledge the legitimate grievances and concerns of the entire student body and community.

   Given that we are at a moment of grave crisis and uncertainty, the administration must once again listen to the very real concerns and grievances of the entire student body.

   - No tuition fee increase, no miscellaneous fees or unwarranted surcharges for the school year.

   - Academic leniency so that students' workloads for the semester are manageable and not overwhelming.

   - Ensure that student's mental health and well-being are prioritized. This entails upholding their academic rights.

At this time of crisis, what the Benildean community needs to do is to unite and fight for our academic freedom! NO TO CAMPUS MILITARIZATION!