THE TECHNOLOGICAL University of the Philippines University Government Manila slammed the Department of National Defense for terminating its security agreement with the University of the Philippines.

The group also lambasted the Duterte Youth Partylist for supporting the abrogation of a similar accord with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Both pacts barred security forces from entering the campuses of the two universities.

The council said that the DND’s move was a blatant attack on students as it paved the way for military presence in campuses.

The USG also blamed the recruitment of students by the New People’s Army to the “rotten” educational system in state colleges and universities.

“Contrary to the claim of the Department of National Defense, the University of the Philippines proved itself developing progressive students and not recruiting members of NPA. The recruiters of NPA are the social injustices the youth have been experiencing, the neoliberal offensives in education causing tighter retention and admission policies, the lack of state support for the development of facilities and necessary equipment. Students are too old to be controlled. Waging an armed strenuous effort is most likely their personal choice,” it said.

“In the middle of the country’s worsening economic conditions and public health emergencies due to the pandemic, the Duterte administration respond with intensifying militarization in progressive universities. This is an action that reflects how the reactionary government of Duterte fears more of the educated students than having its citizens that might suffer from the disease caused by this pandemic,” it added.

The group urged the government to keep schools safe zones of academic freedom and to resolve the issue of why the youth are taking up arms to fight for their beliefs.