4-7-2023 (MANILA) A female student at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City, was sexually assaulted over the weekend, as confirmed by the university’s administration.
According to a statement released by the UP Diliman Office of the Chancellor, the UP Diliman Police (UPDP) received a report on Saturday night around 11 p.m. regarding the sexual assault of a female student by an unidentified individual along Ylanan Street on the campus.
The victim is currently receiving medical care, while the perpetrator remains at large.
The UPD administration is actively working with the police authorities to apprehend the suspect and is closely coordinating with the survivor to provide the necessary support, as stated in the Sunday night press release issued by the Office of the Chancellor.
To enhance campus security, the UP Diliman administration has announced the deployment of additional roving security personnel and UPDP officers in various areas, particularly during after-office hours.
“The UP community is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the UPDP,” emphasized the Office of the Chancellor.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “wake-up call” for the University of the Philippines to review its security policies.
In a press statement, CHED Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III stated, “This despicable criminal act is a wake-up call for the University of the Philippines to review and rationalize its security and safety policies, including its operational engagement with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies, in order to make the UP community safe and secure.”
De Vera has already instructed the UP president and the UP Diliman chancellor to ensure the prompt and appropriate provision of assistance to the victim-survivor.
He further urged UP administrative and security officials to cooperate immediately with the relevant offices of the PNP to lead the investigation and potential pursuit operations.
“The UP administration must seek the expertise of the PNP to identify, track, and apprehend all those responsible for this reprehensible act of violence,” De Vera emphasized.
“Higher education institutions must serve as safe spaces for their students. I encourage anyone with information regarding the incident to report to the authorities to aid in the investigation. The university must spare no effort in ensuring that justice is served for the victim and her family,” he added.
