THE HIMATI, the student publication of the University of the Philippines-Mindanao, condemned being red-tagged for publishing an article about a UP alumnus.

Kalumuran Mindanao, an anti-communist group, said Himati is collaborating with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran Center in teaching terrorism to Lumads and other various youth groups.

Himati’s editor-in-chief said the accusation came after the publication of an article featuring allegations on Jayvie Cabajes, a UP alumnus, and Datu Kaylo Bontolan, a council member of Salungpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon and head secretary of PASAKA Lumad Confederation.

“We, the alumni and residents of UP Mindanao’s official student publication Himati, vehemently condemn the rampant attacks against the publication and the body that it serves,” Himati said in a statement.

For over twenty years, Himati stressed that it has stayed true to its tagline: “Matapang, makabuluhan, magpalaya” and such allegations endanger the lives of the students.

The publication asserted that it provided a platform for students to be vocal critics of “injustice and tyranny.”

“We always believe that campus journalism’s greatest strength comes from its ability to provide sharp and in-depth analysis of the ills of society. The attacks against the free press have only intensified throughout the years, demanding for a more vigilant media body to stand against it,” it said.

Himati called the attacks against the publication as nothing but “a symptom of a rotten regime” terrified of the youth that amplifies the plight of the marginalized.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines expressed support to Himati, saying that stories about the Lumad communities and the peasantry in Mindanao will never be heard without the “uncompromising reportage of campus publications.”

“We echo the need to defend our rights — specifically the freedom of expression and dissent now, more than ever. It may be UP Mindanao’s turn as of now, but if this pervades, more and more critical schools and campus publications, and alike would be marked aggressively,” CEGP said.

The guild also urged the school administrators to protect campus journalists against any forms of repression.