YOUTH groups in Bicol were alarmed by the death threats received by a student of Bicol University.

Youth Act Now Against Tyranny-Bicol condemned the death threats sent to John Robert Balino, a Physical Education, Sports and Recreation major, on July 22.

Balino is a witness for Jovenes Anakbayan, Anakbayan Naga City chairperson Sasah Sta. Rosa, and United Church of Christ in the Philippines Pastor Dan Balucio.

Sta. Rosa and Balucio are facing charges of possession of loose firearms following their arrest last May.

“YNAT-Bicol, an alliance of freedom and democracy loving youth, denounces in the strongest possible term the unmistakable attempt to sabotage the ongoing court hearing of Sasah Sta. Rosa and Pastor Dan Balucio,” the group said.

Meanwhile, the BU University Student Council said the attack on Balino is a violation of Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

“It is distressing that a witness and more importantly our fellow BUeño is being silenced through malicious text messages containing a threat. This is an act that places fear and intentions of injury or death that might be in view of the fact about an ongoing case,” BU-USC said.

It added that it is “never reasonable to obstruct human rights and perform coercion.”

“The BU-USC takes a stand against the intimidation and harassment experienced by our fellow student. With these alarming incidents posed to the students of Bicol University, we are asking for the cooperation of everyone to be vigilant of their surroundings and to take a stand against oppressors,” it said.