THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines’ College of Mass Communications said that it produces responsible media practitioners, not communists.

“The College has produced multi-awarded media practitioners in print, broadcast and film even as its departments are recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as Centers of Excellence. As a College, we have been a consistent partner with government agencies in various projects towards nation-building,” it said in a statement.

It called on the Department of National Defense to stop issuing statements that could ruin the reputation of persons and institutions.

“We call on the DND to desist from announcing or publishing information that tend to tarnish the reputation of persons and institutions, whose aims are aligned with the government’s agenda to develop and improve the lives of every Filipino,” it said.

It decried the red-tagging of alumni by the Armed Forces, as well as the tainting and targeting of the college through disinformation and false evidence which “shows the extent this government will go in order to silence critical voices.”

The UP CMC also echoed the stand of the university that the accord between the school and the Defense department should not be abrogated.

“The two parties should discuss their differences and find a common ground that will respect the mandates of both institutions,” it said.