A MILITANT students’ group has condemned the supposed plan of the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) to infiltrate and keep an eye on universities in Northern Mindanao.
In a statement, members of the League of the Filipino Students-Northern Mindanao Region (LFS-NMR) said they denounce the move of the military to gain access to all universities to supposedly ensure that students will not rebel against the government.
The group said First Lieutenant Tere Ingente, the spokesperson of the 4ID, announced the initiative of the state security forces.
"Gusto dalhon sa 4ID ang ilang duguan nga mga kamot sa mga espasyo sa kabatan-onan (The 4ID wants to bring their bloody hands to the academic space of the youth)," the LFS statement reads.
The group said allowing agents of the military to enter the universities is a clear violation of academic freedom and of free speech.
LFS-NMR chair Kristine Cabardo said the presence of military inside schools is a form of harassment against student leaders who are actively involved in the advocacy of social issues such as free education and government subsidy for state universities and colleges.
The group said the military continues to tag student leaders as members and supporters of the communist rebels.
"Puro fake news ang mga 'awareness raising' sa 4ID sulod sa mga eskwelahan. Gindaotan niini ang mga lehitimong organisasyon sa mga kabatan-onan sama sa LFS, Kabataan ug Anakbayan ug gihadlok ang mga estudyante nga nagpadayag ug nakigbisog para sa ilang katungod (The supposed 'awareness raising' of the 4ID in schools are fake news. They spill black propaganda against the causes of legitimate students organizations like LFS, Kabataan and Anakbayan and threatens the students who are fighting for their rights)," the statement said.
"Usbon namo, walay sayop sa pagbarog sa katungod. Walay sayop sa paglubog sa mga kabatan-onan ngadto sa mga mag-uuma ug lumad. Walay sayop sa pagsukol. Adunay sayop busa gabarog ug padayon nga mosukol ang kabatan-onan (We reiterate that there's nothing wrong with standing for our rights. There's nothing wrong with youth immersing with the lumads and the farmers. There's nothing wrong with fighting. We see injustice so we stand and fight)," the group added.