A female student was sexually assaulted inside the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) campus in Quezon City last week, university and higher education officials have confirmed.
The UP Diliman Office of the Chancellor and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) confirmed the incident, which took place on Ylanan Street.
Authorities confirmed that they have identified a person of interest in the case.
The student is currently receiving medical care, CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera said. He emphasized the importance of higher education institutions serving as safe spaces for students and described this reprehensible act as a wake-up call for the University of the Philippines to review and enhance its security and safety policies.
De Vera also emphasized the need for a more effective collaboration between the university and law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police, to ensure the safety and security of the UP community.
The UPD administration said it has been actively cooperating with the police in their efforts to apprehend the suspect and provide support to the victim.
The university has since implemented additional measures to enhance security on campus, particularly during non-office hours. This includes the deployment of additional roving security personnel and university police officers in various areas within the campus.
The administration has also urged everyone entering the campus to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities.
