MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion made a political statement during the halftime of the Blue Eagles' game against University of the Philippines (UP) on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

After the traditional cheers, senior members of the squad shed their jackets and returned to the center of the court, this time bearing placards.

Watch what they did next:

Babble captain Renzo Ramirez stressed that their performance represented the stand of Team Ateneo.

"As cheerleaders, we represent Team Ateneo, and we represent their values," he said. "We really believe, with the injustices that's happening right now, we want to spread awareness."

This is not the first time that the Blue Babble Battalion have made a statement in their halftime performance. Last season, they also unveiled a "Marcos Not A Hero" slogan on their shirts.

The members of the squad are already anticipating backlash, and are ready for it.

"We're prepared," said Mark Allado, another team captain. "With a stand like this, there will be people who will go against us."

"But if you believe that what you're doing is right, and what you're doing is for justice for everyone, it's worth it," he firmly added. "It's worth it."

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)