Rights group assails UST suspension of student activists over PAF protest

MANILA — The human rights organization Karapatan on Monday criticized the University of Santo Tomas for imposing suspensions against four student activists involved in a protest action targeting the Philippine Air Force, characterizing the disciplinary measure as an infringement on constitutional rights.

The suspended students—identified as Raven Racelis, Ralph Manuel, Mecaella Capallar, and Dex Frogoso—face suspension over their participation in what the university termed a disruptive campus demonstration. Karapatan argued that the suspension violated the students' rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, fundamental protections enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between university administrations and student activist movements in the country. Karapatan's intervention suggests the case may escalate into a broader dialogue about academic freedom and the boundaries of student protest on Philippine campuses.

UST has not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the specific duration of the suspensions or the full circumstances surrounding the protest incident. The university's decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of how educational institutions balance campus order with student rights to dissent.