GABRIELA Women’s Party-list Representative Arlene Brosas on Wednesday condemned the alleged sexual assault of a student inside the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City.

“This deplorable act serves as a wake-up call for the entire UP community to review and strengthen its safety policies. It is imperative that the university takes immediate action to ensure the protection and well-being of its students,” Brosas said.

However, she said that the incident should not be used as an excuse to intensify militarization and police presence in UP Diliman and other schools.

She cited Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero de Vera’s statement that UP should review and rationalize its operational engagement with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.

“The sexual assault incident is a manifestation of the deeply rooted patriarchal culture that perpetuates violence against women, and it cannot be addressed by deploying men in uniform who are known for being one of the top perpetrators of violence and abuse,” Brosas said.

“All schools must implement a gender-responsive approach in its policies and practices to prevent such incidents and provide immediate and appropriate support to victims,” she added.

The group called on the UP administration to work closely with women’s rights advocates and organizations to develop a comprehensive plan of action in addressing this issue and ensuring the safety and well-being of the entire UP community.