Professors from at least six universities has denounced the plan to have military and police presence in universities and colleges as a solution to counter alleged left-leaning indoctrination of students.
Academics from University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University , De La Salle University, Far Eastern University and University of Sto. Tomas said that allowing armed forces within university grounds may spoil the freedom of the students as well as teachers in engaging discussions about social issues both inside and outside the country, as per a report from GMA News.
The group said that engaging students in free discussions and debate is significant as it widens the knowledge of teachers and students. Professors are alarmed that the supposed threats will prohibit this and be replaced with compliance, thereby compromising the very essence of education.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) plans to deploy policemen at campuses to boost its campaign against insurgency amid the controversy of the recruitment of students to the rebel group.
Some lawmakers and other groups opposed this measure.
