MEMBERS of the Philippine National Police in Imus, Cavite allegedly intimated a student leader from the Cavite State University, group CvSU Kilos Na claimed.

In a Facebook post, the group said Central Student Government president candidate Pricia Abella was visited by a barangay councilor at her home on April 16 who told her that the Imus chief of police wanted to talk to her.

“CvSU Kilos Na condemns this act of repression from state forces, this is no other than another incident of attempting to silence the militant youth. The Philippine National Police has no right to go to Pricia Abella’s home and berate her about her campaign video,” Jane Khrisha Sandigan, CvSU Kilos Na spokesperson, said.

The group said the incident happened after Abella released a video containing the General Plan of Action that advocates “ligtas na balik eskwela” for the upcoming CSG candidacy and election.

Sandigan stressed that the intimidation is just another “form of state repression of academic freedom.”

“Threats among student leaders and democratic spaces in various campuses have been rampant, especially during Duterte’s imposition of this lockdown. From the abrogation of the UP-DND Accord to this. Carrying the demands of students and amplifying their calls for a more democratic education is not wrong, it is the duty of student leaders,” Sandigan said.

She reiterated that Abella campaigned to uphold the welfare of students and teachers.

“The mere fact that the police are trying to dissuade Pricia cements the legitimacy and the correctness of CKN-CSG’s platforms. But this will not stop Pricia and the rest of the council. No amount of scare tactic and state repression can hinder us from serving the studentry and championing their calls,” she said.

Sandigan urged the CvSU administration to protect its students from repression and uphold academic freedom.