By Agustin F. San Andres Jr. 

Far Eastern University (FEU) administration and various student-led organizations strongly denounced the accusation of Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. that the institution is one of the “recruitment havens” for New People’s Army (NPA).

In a joint statement released Sunday, January 24, FEU together with Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU), De La Salle University (DLSU) and University of Sto. Tomas (UST) penned that this act is “a rehash of the public accusation made by the general in 2018—irresponsibly since cast without proof.”

The four leading Metro Manila universities then asserted that they value Filipinos' basic constitutional rights of speech, thought, assembly, and organization.

“As universities with high aspirations for our country, we seek to direct our students to engage in acts that contribute to the strengthening of social cohesion, defend the country's democratic institutions, and promote nation-building,” it added. 

Furthermore, the joint statement emphasized that the universities “neither promote nor condone recruitment activities of NPA and, indeed, of any movements that aim to violently overthrow the government.”

On the other hand, FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO), together with Institute Student Councils, University-wide Organizations, and Academic Organizations also decried the “baseless accusation” for it is an “attack to the democratic rights and safety” of the students.

“Universities have been the beacon of truth, justice, and democracy from time immemorial. The collective voices of the youth have stood the test of time from the Marcos regime up to this day where political and economic issues have risen in an unprecedented manner,” the unity statement read.

The student-led orgs also pointed that they advocate for student representation and academic freedom.

It can be noted last October 2018 that Parlade also accused 18 Metro Manila schools, including the four universities, to the ‘Red October Plot’ which allegedly aimed to oust President Rodrigo Duterte without any valid and supporting evidence given.

(File photo from Andrea Gonzales/FEU Advocate)