UP condemns frat-related attacks on founding anniversary

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman on Friday, June 19, condemned two fraternity-related incidents that occurred on campus and left around 4 students injured.

The first attack, according to a statement released by UP Chancellor Dr Michael Tan, happened around 3 pm on Thursday, June 18. Two students were attacked by assailants wearing masks. The victims were able to escape and were treated for injuries at the University Health Service.

Tan described the victim as “bugbog sarado (beaten to a pulp).“

“He was clearly in a daze and could not speak. Only the term ‘savage’ can be used to describe what the assailants did to this student, who only happened to be on campus to get his grade,” Tan said.

The second attack happened an hour later, when a group of suspects ganged up at the occupants of a parked vehicle one of whom sustained serious injuries. The suspects got on two vehicles to escape, but the UP Diliman police apprehended the suspects on one of the vehicles.

“The UP Diliman administration condemns these brutal attacks. The use of getaway vehicles shows these attacks were premeditated,” Tan said.

The university withheld the names of the victims out of respect for their privacy, as well as the fraternities involved  to keep tensions from further escalating.

UP Anniversary

The attacks happened on the 107th founding anniversary of UP, considered by many as the premier university of the country. (READ: FAST FACTS: The A to Z of the University of the Philippines)

“Instead of upholding UP’s cherished values of honor and excellence, the assaults bring great disgrace to the frats concerned, and to the university,” Tan said.

The administration assured the UP community that incident are being investigated and that those responsible would be duly punished.

Tan said that “security forces are on alert to prevent further violent incidents” and  urged the fraternities to use the “inter-frat mechanisms” they have to resolve their differences “with dignity and honor.” 

“UP Diliman will act firmly, initiating immediate preventive suspension on students involved in the assault and promptly conduct hearings. We will impose the full penalty for those found guilty, and this is expulsion. There is no place for cowards in UP,” Tan said. – Rappler.com