Quezon City Policemen disperse students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines who were holding a protest outside the House of Representatives on February 12, 2024. KPL Public Info/Handout

MANILA — The Quezon City government and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) have expressed alarm over the "violent" dispersal of university students who protested in front of the House of Representatives.

On Monday, student activists from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) trooped to the Batasang Pambansa to oppose proposals they fear might lead to the "commercialization" of the state university.

In a video posted by The Catalyst — PUP's official student publication —policemen armed with riot shields and truncheons forcefully pushed students holding protest signs.

At least 7 people sustained wounds and bruises following the fierce confrontation, according to the Makabayan bloc.

In a statement, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte condemned the dispersal, saying she told Quezon City police chief Redrico Maranan that she would not tolerate the cops' conduct.

Belmonte said Maranan has ordered an investigation into possible violations of police procedures.

Maranan also met with the station commander of the Batasan police to remind their personnel of proper action during protests, the mayor added.

The CHR meanwhile urged the police to exercise maximum tolerance and avoid the use of violent force when dispersing protesters.

"We remind all agents of law enforcement that civilians have the constitutional right to peaceably assemble in public," the rights commission said in a statement.

WHY DID STUDENTS PROTEST?

The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chaired by Rep. Mark Go on Monday tackled proposed bills that seek to amend PUP's charter and designate the school as a national university.

The House panel also approved the creation of a technical working group that would come up with a substitute bill to the 6 measures that seek to transform PUP into National Polytechnic University.

The PUP will enjoy fiscal and institutional autonomy when it obtains the national university status, just like the University of the Philippines.

The Catalyst however said the proposal could affect students' access to affordable education because they fear the plan would pave the way for the state university's "commercialization and privatization."

The Makabayan bloc said students wanted lawmakers to remove provisions in the proposed bills that would allow PUP "to enter into joint ventures with private entities for profit which will spur privatization, fee impositions and other problems affecting their right to education."