University of the Philippines professor in hot water for red-tagging, threats

MANILA, Philippines — A professor of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City will be investigated on accusations of red-tagging and spewing death threats against some students of the UP College of Arts and Letters (CAL) on Feb. 13.

In an interview with the Philippine Collegian, the official student publication of UP Diliman, CAL dean Jimmuel Naval confirmed that a formal complaint was filed against the professor, which prompted the college to launch an investigation as recommended by the All UP Academic Employees Union–Diliman and several lawyers of the university.

The CAL opted to withhold the name of the professor as well as the alleged victims pending the result of the probe.

The incident allegedly happened on Feb. 13 when the professor was looking for a parking space near the CAL New Building. The professor allegedly passed by some students, lowered the car window and started shouting insults.

Members of the CAL Student Council and some security guards stepped in and attempted to deescalate the situation, but the professor allegedly continued shouting insults and threats, including against one of the officials of the student council.

“We are deeply troubled by the severity of this incident and the conduct displayed by a faculty member toward students. This behavior is not only unacceptable but also potentially dangerous. As students and members of the community, we deserve to feel safe and respected on campus grounds,” Francheska Reyes, CAL student council chair, was quoted as saying in the Philippine Collegian report.

Naval told the student publication that the professor is scheduled to undergo mental health therapy sessions, adding that the latter was also directed to just hold online classes pending the investigation.