Liv G. Campo • Jun 09, 2020
UP Cebu students, protesters released without bail
Photo Credit: Tug-ani Facebook Page
Police released without bail on Monday night seven protesters and one bystander who were arrested at the University of the Philippines Cebu protest last Friday.
Cebu City Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 4 Judge Jenelyn Villaceran Forrosuelo issued the release order on Monday afternoon.
Released were Jaime Paglinawan of BAYAN (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan) Central Visayas, Bern Cañedo of the UP Cebu University Student Council, Nor Porlas of Anakbayan UP Cebu, Dyan Paula Gumanao of Kabataan Partylist Cebu, Janry Ubal of Food Not Bombs Cebu, UP alumnus Al Ingking, Associate Vice President of National Union of Students of the Philippines Joahanna Veloso, and 19-year-old bystander Clement Corominas.
UP Cebu’s Tug-ani student publication said that the so-called #Cebu8 were given 10 days to comment on the charges of violating the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) rules that prohibit public gatherings.
UP Cebu students meanwhile urged the school administration to file appropriate charges against the Cebu City Police Office for violating the 1982 UP-Department of National Defense Peace Accord during Friday’s protest. The accord signed during the Martial Law era allows the police and the military to conduct operations within the UP premises only with the approval of the UP administration.
The UP students pointed to video footage showing police entering the campus while pursuing the protesters. They also said the accord applies to Friday’s protest even if it was held just outside the UP Cebu campus.
Tug-ani also said close to 700 individuals, organizations and student councils signed a petition that was already forwarded to UP Cebu Chancellor Liza Corro, UP President Danilo Concepcion, and the sectoral members of the Board of Regents.
“This blatant violation of not only the Accord but also the 1987 Constitution should not go by unpunished. At a time when violations and crimes happen with impunity, UPC should be firm in its stand for accountability and justice, especially if these violations target its constituents,” the petition read.
The UP Cebu administration condemned the arrests made by the police within its premises.