UP questions ‘intrusion’ of armed cops in Diliman campus

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines president Danilo Concepcion has questioned the presence of uniformed and armed police officers inside the UP campus in Diliman, Quezon City.

In a letter to PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, Concepcion noted that UP has an existing agreement with the police and military to observe prior coordination before policemen are deployed in the campus.

Photos circulating on social media showed three police officers in a building in UP Diliman on Wednesday.

Witnesses said the policemen were looking for student regent Ivy Joy Taroma.

“The UP community is deeply alarmed by this intrusion and the possible reasons for its undertaking,” Concepcion said.

 “UP Diliman has its own police force to deal with minor incidents and disturbances,” he added.

Concepcion asked Albayalde if the Quezon City police was aware of and authorized the visit.

 Albayalde declined to comment on the issue as he has yet to read the letter.

 PNP spokesman Senior Superitendent Benigno Durana Jr. said the policemen were not from the Quezon City Police District.

He said they were still trying to find out where the policemen are assigned. – Emmanuel Tupas