THE CASSIPI Online condemned the fake message that one of its staff was killed in an encounter between military forces and the New People’s Army.

The online site is the student publication of the Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy.

An anonymous using an unknown number claimed Justine Mesias, a 2nd year BU student and Youth Act Now Against Tyranny-Bicol spokesperson is an NPA recruiter.

In a statement, Cassipi stressed the information is fake and the baseless accusation is a vilified mean to continue the red-tagging towards Mesias.

“The Cassipi Student Publication condemns these continuous attacks against Justine Mesias and other Bicol University student activists. Such acts enacted as a means to silence the voices of the youth only proves that a fascist regime is currently existing in our society,” it said.

Mesias was reportedly accused of possessing a. 45 caliber gun and explosives in Daraga, Albay last May.

YANAT-Bicol alleged members of the raiding team pointed guns at Mesias and other family members before searching their house for two hours.

However, Mesias was not arrested since he was not at home when the raid happened.

The student publication also condemned the “BU administration’s passivity and silence” on safeguarding its students.

“The BU administration’s silence on the matter further exacerbates not only the persecution of Mesias but of other pro-active students of the university as well,” it said.

“As the University continues to uphold its vision of producing change-agents for societal transformation and development, it is only equitable that they too provide protection to their students who bravely realize this inspiration,” it added.

The group also urged other youth organizations to amplify calls for democracy, students’ right, and protection.

“In these crucial times when support from the administration is delayed, if not missing, our stand as a united community of vigilant students staunchly matters not only to support Justine Mesias but also to other student-activists who are continuously threatened by the state and disdained by the administration,” it added.