UP Diliman University Freshie Council

17/01/2025

| UPD UFC 24-25 General Assembly 2 Agenda

The UP Diliman University Freshie Council 2024-2025 will be holding its General Assembly 2 on January 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM. The meeting will be livestreamed at the council’s page.

The provisional agenda for the meeting is as follows:
I. Presentation of Timeline of Important Dates
II. Citizen’s Charter Preparations
A. Vision, Mission, and Goals Setting
III. Transparency Corner Preparations
IV. Semestral Planning
V. Other Matters

17/01/2025

| EXTENSION OF REGISTRATION FOR
2ND SEM. AY 2024-2025

Per Memorandum Order No ECLV-25-005, the registration period for the Second Semester AY 2024-2025 is extended up to 21 January 2025 (Tuesday). The deadline for registration-related payments is also extended up to 31 January 2025 (Friday).

For your information and guidance.




Announcement from the CRS website at https://crs.upd.edu.ph/

17/01/2025

| UPD UFC General Assembly 1

The UP Diliman University Freshie Council held its General Assembly 1 last December 14, 2024, via Zoom meeting.

Access the full minutes of the meeting here: https://bit.ly/ufc2425_ga1

15/01/2025

[OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE UPD UFC ON THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ABROGATION OF THE UP-DND ACCORD]

The University Freshie Council strongly condemns the unilateral abrogation of the UP-DND Accord by the Department of National Defense. For over three decades, this agreement has been crucial in preserving academic freedom. Its abrogation has further enabled campus militarization, suppressing academic freedom and infringing the rights of the community, reflecting the state’s intent to silence voices that challenge its oppressive system.

Since its inception, the UP-DND Accord has safeguarded the university from unwarranted military and police presence. This agreement also symbolizes the recognition of the need to protect spaces dedicated to education and critical thought.

The abrogation of the UP-DND Accord disregards the historical context under which it was established—a response to the abuses and repression experienced during the Martial Law. Moreover, it also undermines the sanctity of our university and is a direct affront to the constitutional and institutional protections that uphold the independence of educational institutions, which are essential to upholding democracy.

Four years after its abrogation, there have been at least 104 documented cases of unwarranted state intrusion, including incursions, red-tagging, illegal arrests, and harassment targeting students. This alarming environment stifles the community’s freedom of expression, fosters a culture of fear, and puts the welfare and security of the UP community at risk, further emphasizing the urgent need to reinstate the UP-DND Accord.

The University of the Philippines has long stood as a bastion of critical thinking and progressive action. The presence of state forces within its campuses blatantly violates the democratic principles the university strives to uphold.

The University Freshie Council, as representatives of the UP freshie community, stands in solidarity with the entire UP community in strongly opposing this unjust decision. We demand the immediate reinstatement of the UP-DND Accord and call on the DND to respect the sanctity of academic spaces. We also urge the UP administration to take decisive action in defending the university's autonomy and ensuring the safety of its constituents.

DEFEND UP! DEFEND ACADEMIC FREEDOM! FSTS NG BAYAN NGAYON AY LUMALABAN!






Learn more about the UP-DND Accord here:
The 1989 UP-DND Accord: Content and Context
https://law.upd.edu.ph/faculty-portfolio/the-1989-up-dnd-accord-content-and-context/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHwCn5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcv7ATQDtx-sCW5UX_iuEVfp4AMQ1Agb4i0KPSGaaJQ0NdCDzKYsUG2Ifg_aem_ui8wmXWVC-NbW4qNByBLGA

The History Behind the UP-DND Accord
https://phkule.org/article/63/the-history-behind-the-up-dnd-accord/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHwCntleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXqAw-wqzcNKekQu902tqbVPKt8oTEFICrEmMrhB2rTbe13ov74kuUyopg_aem_hV0XSVF-8jTQ-8G1g1AkLw

EXPLAINER: The 1989 UP-DND Accord
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1385606/explainer-the-1989-up-dnd-accord

EXPLAINER: What is the 1989 UP-DND accord on campus access of state forces?
https://www.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/01/19/21/explainer-what-is-the-1989-up-dnd-accord-on-campus-access-of-state-forces

What you need to know about the 1989 UP-DND accord
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-1989-up-dnd-accord/

07/01/2025

| GENERAL REGISTRATION FOR 2ND SEM. OF AY 2024-2025

Take note of the following dates for the general registration period:

15 January 2025 (Wednesday)
Start of the registration of freshmen, graduating, varsity, HASPAG, graduate students, and students with special needs.

16 January 2025 (Thursday)
Start of the registration of all regular UPD students.

17 January 2025 (Friday)
Start of the registration of all other students including cross-registrants, non-degrees, and special students.
Last day of Withdrawal of Enlistments (for those who enlisted but will not pursue enrollment).

20 January 2025 (Monday)
Start of classes.

28 January 2025 (Tuesday)
Last day of Change of Matriculation.




Announcement from the CRS website at https://crs.upd.edu.ph/

06/01/2025

| ONLINE WAITLISTING MECHANICS

The Online Waitlisting in the Student Registration module allows students to apply for a slot in a desired class online. This is an extension of the Preenlistment Module. The mechanics of the Waitlisting Module is as follows:

General Waitlisting:
In the General Waitlisting period, all classes are open to waitlist. You can waitlist in any class you wish to be enlisted in. When the General Waitlisting period is over, the respective offering units will process the waitlist applications.

- Classes that you select in this module are not automatically granted. Wait for the offering unit to process the waitlists, to see if you are granted a slot in your waitlisted classes.

- Granting of class slots is the prerogative of the offering unit. The unit can choose to assign slots in any way, like “random assignment” for equality or "priority by student type" for equity.

- You can enlist in any class and multiple sections of the same course. If your waitlisted course is granted, it will automatically cancel your obtained course through preenlistment that conflicts with the newly granted waitlisted course. You can cancel classes using this module until the start of regular registration.

- If you have waitlisted in many sections of a course and you are granted a slot in a section, then all other waitlist applications of the same course are automatically cancelled.

- If you have waitlisted in several classes in a specific time slot e.g. TTh 1-2:30 pm and you are granted a slot in a class, then all other waitlists for classes that conflict with the newly granted class will also be cancelled.

- There are no rankings during waitlisting since enlistment processing is decentralized to the respective departments.

- A single waitlist will be maintained for a block set of classes.

- It is recommended that you apply for waitlist slots such that the offering unit would be informed of the additional slots per course and time schedule they need to offer.

Department Waitlisting:
After the General Waitlisting period until the deadline of Change of Mat, it is the discretion of the offering unit to open individual waitlist queues for specific courses.

- You can waitlist in any class if it is open. When the waitlist is closed, you cannot apply for a waitlist anymore. A closed waitlist can be opened again at the discretion of the offering unit.

- It is up to the offering unit on when the waitlists will be processed after it is closed. Do check the remarks section of the class you wish to waitlist in to know when to check CRS again to see if a certain waitlisted class has been granted to you.

- The unit may choose to reset their waitlists making all current waitlisted applications cancelled. If this happens, you may see the cancelled classes under Cancelled Waitlists. Feel free to select the class again, in case the waitlisting is opened again.




Announcement from the CRS website at https://crs.upd.edu.ph/

06/01/2025

| GENERAL WAITLISTING PERIOD FOR 2ND SEM. OF AY 2024-2025

The results of the 2nd Pre-enlistment Round are now available. You may login and view your enlisted classes through the Preenlistment module.

The Pre-enlistment period is now over and the module is now in view mode. The General Waitlisting period has started and will end on 10 January 2025, Friday at 12NN. To waitlist for additional classes, please use the Student Registration module.




Announcement from the CRS website at https://crs.upd.edu.ph/

18/12/2024

| 2ND PRE-ENLISTMENT ROUND FOR 2ND SEM. OF AY 2024-2025

The results of the first pre-enlistment round for the Second Semester, AY 2024-2025 are out via the Preenlistment module.

The second pre-enlistment round for the Second Semester, AY 2024-2025 is currently ongoing and will end on 05 January 2025 (Sunday) at 11:59pm.

The results of the Second Batch Run are scheduled to be released on 06 January 2025 (Monday).

Students are advised to settle their accountabilities or process their scholarships (e.g., ST discount) ahead of time to avoid inconveniences during the registration period.

Please note further that if you have a deficiency listed in your homepage, that deficiency will NOT hinder you from participating in the pre-enlistment and will NOT hinder you from enrolling come registration week.




Announcement from the UPD CRS website

10/12/2024

[OPISYAL NA PAHAYAG NG UPD UFC SA PANDAIGDIGANG ARAW NG KARAPATANG PANTAO]

Sa paggunita ng ika-76 na pandaigdigang araw ng karapatang pantao, kaisa ang UP Diliman University Freshie Council sa pagkundena sa kaliwa’t kanang pag-atake ng estado sa karapatang pantao ng mga mamamayang Pilipino sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos-Duterte. Bilang mga baguhang Iskolar ng Bayan, patuloy tayong titindig at makikibaka para sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka, kababaihan, LGBTQIA+, mga katutubo, at pambansang minorya. Ang laban para sa karapatang pantao ay hindi lamang para sa iilan– ito ay laban para sa bawat taong nais mamuhay nang makatarungan at mapagpalaya.

Ang araw na ito ay paalala ng madilim na bahagi ng kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, nang na ideklara ang batas militar noong 1972, kung saan libu-libong Pilipino ang naging biktima ng pamamasismo at diktadurya ng rehimeng Marcos—isang madilim na kasaysayan ng ilegal na pag-aresto, pagsupil sa kalayaan sa pamamahayag, pagdakip, pagtortyur, at pagpatay sa mga kritiko ng pamahalaan.

Sa kasalukuyan, higit kailanman, kinakailangan ang pagkilos na nagkakaisa upang patuloy na isulong ang karapatan ng bawat mamamayan. Sama-sama nating tutulan ang anumang anyo ng pagyurak at paniniil sa karapatang pantao.

ANG FSTs NG BAYAN NGAYON AY LUMALABAN!
IPAGLABAN ANG KARAPATANG PANTAO!

08/12/2024

| FIRST PRE-ENLISTMENT ROUND FOR THE 2ND SEM. AY 2024-2025

The first pre-enlistment round for the Second Semester, AY 2024-2025 is scheduled to open today, 09 December 2024 (Monday) to 17 December 2024 (Tuesday) at 11:59 pm. First Batch Run results will be available on 18 December 2024 (Wednesday).

Please pay attention to the mode of delivery of classes and prerequisite course indicated in the REMARKS to manage your schedule and expectations.

For inquiries regarding offered classes, please directly contact the academic unit concerned. If you’re experiencing problems with the CRS website, (e.g. missing modules) kindly email us at [email protected] or call 8 981 8500 local 4560 for support.

06/12/2024

5 DAYS TO GO. 🌟 The countdown hits single digits, and the excitement is louder than the music we’re about to make.

ATLAS: Cartography of Sound isn’t just a concert—it’s a journey. With an incredible lineup, FREE drinks, and the power to turn every peso into opportunities through the Economic Society Scholarship Program, this is a night that will leave a mark. The stage is set, and the map points to YOU!

Ready to make memories that last a lifetime?

Grab your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/ATLASTicketPreSale
https://bit.ly/ATLASTicketPreSale
https://bit.ly/ATLASTicketPreSale

Brought to you by:
Explained PH
Monster RX 93.1
WhenInManila.com

In partnership with:
Mapúa .MOVE
TOMCAT - UST
UP Diliman University Freshie Council

Special thanks to:
Morrainn Studios

5 DAYS TO GO. 🌟 The countdown hits single digits, and the excitement is louder than the music we’re about to make.

ATLAS: Cartography of Sound isn’t just a concert—it’s a journey. With an incredible lineup, FREE drinks, and the power to turn every peso into opportunities through the Economic Society Scholarship Program, this is a night that will leave a mark. The stage is set, and the map points to YOU!

Ready to make memories that last a lifetime?

Grab your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/ATLASTicketPreSale
https://bit.ly/ATLASTicketPreSale
https://bit.ly/ATLASTicketPreSale

Brought to you by:
Explained PH
Monster RX 93.1
WhenInManila.com

In partnership with:
Mapúa .MOVE
TOMCAT - UST
UP Diliman University Freshie Council

Special thanks to:
Morrainn Studios

05/12/2024

[UFC AY 2024-2025 STUDENT CONCERN AND GRIEVANCE FORM]

The UP Diliman University Freshie Council, as the highest serving body of the freshies, shiftees, and transferees of the university, upholds its mandate to help the FSTs deal with their encountered problems and give light on their concerns.

If you have any concerns, complaints, or questions, utilize this form and the council will attend to your concerns as soon as possible:

bit.ly/UFC2425GrievanceForm

02/12/2024

| FIRST PRE-ENLISTMENT ROUND FOR THE 2ND SEM. AY 2024-2025

Profile updating on CRS begins today, 02 December 2024 (Monday). Please fill-out your Student Profile before pre-enlisting.

The first pre-enlistment round for the Second Semester, AY 2024-2025 is scheduled to open on 09 December 2024 (Monday) to 17 December 2024 (Tuesday) at 11:59 pm. First Batch Run results will be available on 18 December 2024 (Wednesday).

Please pay attention to the mode of delivery of classes and prerequisite course indicated in the REMARKS to manage your schedule and expectations.

For inquiries regarding offered classes, please directly contact the academic unit concerned. If you’re experiencing problems with the CRS website, (e.g. missing modules) kindly email us at [email protected] or call 8 981 8500 local 4560 for support.

30/11/2024

[Opisyal na Pahayag ng UPD UFC sa Ika-161 na Taon ng Kapanganakan ni Andres Bonifacio]

Idinaraos ng University Freshie Council ang Araw ni Bonifacio bilang pagkilala sa mga sakripisyo ng lahat ng mga nagbuwis ng buhay at nagsakripisyo para sa kalayaan at demokrasya ng ating bansang hirang. Kasama na rito ang mga aktibista noong panahon ng Batas Militar, ang mga lumalaban para sa karapatan sa edukasyon, at ang mga patuloy na nagsusulong ng pagbabago sa ating lipunan.

Ngayong araw ang ika-161 na taon mula sa kapanganakan ni G*t Andres Bonifacio. Sa pagsalubong natin sa kaarawan ni Bonifacio bilang simbolo ng pag-aalsa at rebolusyonaryong Pilipino, inilalaan ito ng UP Diliman University Freshie Council sa pag-alala sa isang martir at dating bahagi ng konseho bilang CAL Representative to the UFC na si Lennel “Len” Domanais.

Kilala rin bilang “Ka Morga,” o “Niña” ng iba— isang tunay na mahusay (at makulit) na huwarang kabataang artista ng bayan si Lennel bilang mag-aaral ng BA Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas. Sa kanyang mga araw sa pamantasan, naging bahagi si Len ng Alay Sining at UP Repertory Company. Taliwas sa mga naging banta ng estado at militar, pinalakas niya ang boses ng masa hanggang sa tinalikuran niya ang komportableng buhay upang pagsilbihan nang buong-loob ang mga masang api.

Sa pagdiriwang natin sa araw na ito, bilang mga baguhang iskolar ng bayan, may kakayahan tayong ipamalas ang pakikibaka para sa ating mga karapatan bilang mga mag-aaral ng ating pamantasang hirang. Tulad nina Bonifacio at Domanais, ipakita rin natin ang ating pagiging palaban at patuloy nating buhayin ang rebolusyonaryong diwa laban sa mapang-abuso at mapang-aping mga nilalang!

Pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang ibinibigay ng University Freshie Council sa ating kasama na si Lennel Domanais, mahusay na lider-estudyante, at Martir ng Sambayanan!

ANG FSTs NG BAYAN NGAYON AY LUMALABAN!
MABUHAY SI BONIFACIO! MABUHAY SI KA MORGA!

29/11/2024

[UP Muslim Students' Association Forum 2024]

The UP Diliman University Freshie Council, in partnership with the UP Muslim Students' Association Forum, invites freshies, shiftees, and transferees to Paninind’g: Upholding the Essence of the Bangsamoro Struggle, Navigating Complexities, and Forging New Trajectories.

📍 The forum will take place at Toribio M. Teodoro, Room 300, UP Diliman ISSI, on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom option will also be available.

The event is open to everyone interested in learning more about the Bangsamoro region, including its most pressing issues and recent developments. To join, please fill out the registration form. Event reminders and further details will be sent to all attendees via email. In addition, all attendees will be given a Certificate of Participation.

📌 LINK:
🔗https://forms.gle/NgETSdkp5axKgtVJ8
🔗https://forms.gle/NgETSdkp5axKgtVJ8
🔗https://forms.gle/NgETSdkp5axKgtVJ8

[NOTE: Due to limited slots, the registration form will remain open for responses until 5:00 PM on Saturday, November 30.]

[ 𝐔𝐏 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 ]

As part of its flagship events for this year, UP MSA proudly presents:

“𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐝’𝐠: 𝐔𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞, 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬”.

𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙙’𝙜 calls for a deep and reflective examination of the history and the continuous journey of the Bangsamoro, and compels us to critically assess where we stand today, acknowledging the progress made and the substantial challenges that are yet to be surmounted.

The forum will uncover the rich and resilient history of the Bangsamoro, shaped by decades of struggle and the fight to address systemic injustices and historical grievances. We will reflect on the transformative milestones of the peace process and explore the pivotal role of Shari’ah in shaping BARMM governance and redefining the political landscape of the region.

The discussions will also delve into the processes, challenges, contestations, and implications surrounding the upcoming 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections. We will explore the critical roles of the youth sector, key actors, civil society, and various institutions in strengthening democratic participation and ensuring accountability in the Bangsamoro.

As we find ourselves at a critical juncture, your participation would greatly contribute to a movement that will spark meaningful dialogue and collectively work toward a future defined by meaningful development, justice, and lasting peace for generations to come.

📍 The forum will take place at Toribio M. Teodoro, Room 300, UP Diliman ISSI, on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom option will also be available.

The event is open to everyone interested in learning more about the Bangsamoro region, including its most pressing issues and recent developments. To join, please fill out the registration form. Event reminders and further details will be sent to all attendees via email. In addition, all attendees will be given a Certificate of Participation.

📌 LINK:

🔗https://forms.gle/NgETSdkp5axKgtVJ8

🔗https://forms.gle/NgETSdkp5axKgtVJ8

🔗 https://forms.gle/NgETSdkp5axKgtVJ8

[NOTE: Due to limited slots, the registration form will remain open for responses until 5:00 PM on Saturday, November 30.]

🎨 Publication by: Shahana Sabang

26/11/2024

THE UP COMMUNITY PRESENTS ITS PETITION AND DEMANDS TO THE UP ADMINISTRATION

In our campaign since February, the UP Not For Sale Network has garnered 1632 signatories from various individuals and organizations calling on the following demands as one UP Community which we shall assert in tomorrow's dialogue with OVPD Daniel Peckley:

1) Oppose commercialization of Dilimall and of our campus to prioritize our Maninindas & other UP stakeholders

2) Uphold the 2004 Memorandum of Agreement between the university and the original stallholders that grants the latter the right of first refusal to occupy the first two floors of the building and a twenty percent (20%) discount on rental for the first five (5) years of operation of the new building.

3) Implement reasonable and affordable rental rates to allow the original stallholders to maintain accessible pricing of commodities and services for UPD constituents.

4) Promote transparent, consultative, and accountable university governance by organizing public consultations and information drives on proposed policies and plans for the all campus spaces, and in particular, the UPD Shopping Center. There must be proper sectoral representation in planning the utilization of our spaces to ensure that these would serve the entire UPD Community. In particular, make public the contract between UP and the Master Lessor. All bidding and contract awarding processes must be transparent.

5) Put an end to the practice of contracting third party management groups to run services in the university. Instead, UP should revert to its old but workable practice of utilizing its own Business Concessions Office to directly deal and negotiate with stallholders and vendors. Doing away with third-party contractors will reduce costs (for one, there will be no more need to pay for their services) and enhance the transparency and accountability of the UP administration towards its constituents.

6) Broaden the coverage of free education and prioritize the improvement and expansion of affordable, accessible, and quality student services!

The united studentry, faculty, staff, alumni, maninindas, stallholders, and community members remain steadfast in asserting these demands for the prioritization of our community in the development of the University. Rise for affordable services and accessible spaces! No to the commercialization of UP!

Support the dialogue tomorrow!
November 27, 9:00 AM
Quezon Hall

26/11/2024

[OPISYAL NA PAHAYAG NG UPD USC PARA SA INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN]

KARAHASAN SA KABABAIHAN, WAKASAN!

Ngayong International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, nakikiisa ang UP Diliman University Student Council sa pagpanawagan at pagkondena sa mga karahasang nararanasan ng kababaihan sa iba't ibang sektor ng lipunan!

Sa kabilang nang matagal nang pagkakapasa at implementasyon ng Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004. Talamak parin ang mga kasong ginigipit ang mga kakababaihan sa iba't ibang porma mula pisikal, berbal, sikolohikal, or pang-ekonomikong pang-aabuso.

Sa datos ng Child Protection Network, umaabot na sa humigit 3,382 na kaso ang naitala mula sa simula ng taong ito. Hindi kasama ang mga unreported cases na madalas nananatiling lingid sa mga awtoridad dahil sa kultura ng pagpapatahimik at pagbabanta ng mga perpetrador ng mga kasuklam-suklam na krimen. Nangyayari ito sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa, mula sa tahanan at komunidad, hanggang sa opisina, pabrika, at kanayunan.

Sa patriyarkal na oryentasyon ng lipunan, patuloy na magdudusa ang mga kababaihan sa sexismo, misogyny, at diskriminasyon. Patuloy na gigipitin ang kakakayahan ng mga kababaihang magsalita at lumaban, patuloy na gagamitin ang dahas upang pilayin ang kababaihan, at patuloy na magiging siklo ito ng karahasan hindi lang sa kababaihan pati na rin sa musmos na kabataan. Kung kaya sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos ay mas pagtibayin pa lalo ang hanay ng kababaihan at igiit ang pwersang lakas na tapangan ang loob at pakikibaka para sa karapatan at hustisya!

ABANTE BABAE! PALABAN, MILITANTE!

23/11/2024

Since 2009, our calls for justice have never wavered. In a society ruled by executioners whose thirst for power is unlike any other, it is only right that media practitioners stand in solidarity and hold perpetrators of impunity accountable.

In the lead-up to the 2010 polls, 58 individuals, including 32 media workers, were brutally massacred by the Ampatuan political clan while on their way to file the gubernatorial candidacy of then-Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu.

Their killing is considered the world’s single deadliest attack against the press by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Fifteen years have passed and yet we still call for the long overdue justice for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre. And while it is considered a victory that the massacre’s masterminds — Ampatuan brothers Anwar Sr., Datu Andal Jr. and Zaldy — have been convicted, their sentences are still under appeal and some perpetrators remain at large.

Since the Ampatuan massacre in 2009, the Philippines has seen no significant improvement in its treatment of the press.

In its 2024 Global Impunity Index, the CPJ ranked the Philippines 9th in the world based on the country’s unsolved murder cases of journalists. This means that in the Philippines, perpetrators of media killings often go unpunished. The country has been on CPJ’s impunity index for 17 years.

Elections should never be violent. They should be a space for free expression, not a battleground where critics and journalists are targeted. The press is crucial to exposing the truth but it cannot do so when it is silenced by the cycle of impunity.

We challenge the government, with its abundant intelligence resources, to capture perpetrators that remain at large and put an end to impunity. No one, least of all journalists, should ever have to endure the same violence suffered by the victims.

Yet a guilty verdict alone falls far short of genuine justice. We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims of the Ampatuan massacre in demanding public apology and compensation.

We urge media practitioners and budding journalists to remain vigilant and learn from the press' long history of endured injustice and unfair treatment from the powers that be. Amplify the narratives of the victims of the Ampatuan massacre and their families to demand accountability and genuine justice.

Now is not the time to forget. Keep their stories alive.

—

TOGETHER WITH
UJP UP Diliman
UP Journalism Club - UPJC
UP College of Mass Communication Student Council
UP Diliman University Student Council
UP Solidaridad

SIGNED BY
Philippine Collegian
Tanglaw
The Public Herald - CPH
The Torch Publications
Tinig ng Plaridel
The Accounts
College Editors Guild of the Philippines
KATRIBU - UP Diliman Chapter
Kabataan Partylist - UP Diliman
Rise for Education - UP Diliman
Rise for Education - College of Science UPD
STAND UP AIT
UP Artists' Circle Sorority
UP Broadcasting Association
UP Broadcasters' Guild
UP Cinema Arts Society - UP CAST
UP CSWCD Student Council
UPD CSSP FST Council
UP Diliman University Freshie Council
UP Harong
UP Junior Social Workers' Association of the Philippines
UP Law Student Government - UP LSG
UP Muslim Students' Association
UP Radio Circle
UP SAMASKOM
UP Samahan Tungo sa Progresibong Administrasyon (UP STPA)
UP Variates