Official statement on the false accusation made by the NTF-ELCAC against the UPLB Perspective

The UPLB Perspective denounces the false accusation made by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) that the publication is spreading fake news about the reported aerial bombing in Brgy. Mascap, Montalban, Rizal. 

The NTF-ELCAC labeled the reports made by UPLB Perspective on the aerial bombing threats by the 80th Infantry Battalion – Philippine Army (IBPA) as fake news. The state agency also called the reports of progressive and people’s organizations Karapatan Rizal and Southern Tagalog, Kalikasan, and Defend Southern Tagalog fake news for its statements on the forced evacuation of more than 250 families in Brgy. Mascap, Montalban, Rizal due to aerial bombing threats made by the 80th Infantry Battalion. 

Based on the reports, the evacuation was in relation to the armed encounter between the 80th IBPA and the New People’s Army (NPA) last March 31 to April 2. 

Last April 6, [P] released a news update regarding the threats made by the 80th IBPA citing the press release made by Karapatan Rizal – verified with individual reports from the residents of Brgy. Mascap. The publication also posted an update on April 8 regarding the SAMBAYANAN Rizal Facebook page red-tagging of the relief operations made by the Southern Tagalog Serve the People Corps (STPC). 

Furthermore, the Facebook page red-tagged John Peter Angelo Garcia, Youth Advocates for Peace and Justice (YAPJUST-UPLB) and Felipa Cheng of Karapatan Rizal, and a UPLB Perspective’s staff for their participation in the said humanitarian aid and relief operations. 

The UPLB Perspective is the first campus publication to open during the Martial law period. In its 50th year, [P] continues to forward advocacy journalism and serve the people through its reportage on relevant news that will amplify the calls of the Southern Tagalog region.  

The publication will not waver from the accusations made by government agencies with a history of red-tagging and partners with Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) that deliberately censor information that can help citizens to have informed, critical and democratic decisions for their society. Perspective will work further to continue to report the truth, critically analyze those in power, defend press freedom, and fight for democracy. [P]

Magsulat. Maglingkod. Magpalaya. 

UPLB Perspective