MANILA — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Wednesday insisted that it recognizes freedom of expression after the military alleged that communists are recruiting students to join the “Red October” plot to overthrow the government.
“The Commission recognizes academic freedom, freedom of expression of state universities and of course the students,” Jaro said in a Palace briefing.
CHED Officer-in-Charge Cinderella Jaro said they have not received official communication from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) pertaining to students being recruited by communists.
“We have not received official communication from AFP regarding the matter. So we’re not taking any action yet because there’s no official communication as to this alleged plots or alleged actions,” she added.
Jaro assured that CHED will “act on the matter” once the AFP has relayed information on universities involved in the ouster plot.
“The Commission will decide or will somehow determine our next step,” Jaro said.
Jaro, however, stressed the importance of following university protocols in relation to the recruitment of students.
“We should also take into to consideration, rules, laws and regulations as long as academic freedom and freedom of expression would not somehow violate our laws and regulations,” Jaro said.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez earlier said the “Red October” ouster plot has been dissolved as more people become aware of it.
“The people now, including the parents, are aware of this sinister act. And through this awareness, we were able to deter any violent mobilization,” Galvez said.
“If we look at it, their target since Sept. 21 is to have a critical mass. But because of the positive response of our students and other agencies, including parents, teachers, we were able to dissuade them,” he added. (Azer Parrocha/PNA)
