PNP issues subpoena to UP Diliman student council chair

The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a subpoena to Joaquin Buenaflor, chairperson of the UP Diliman University Student Council, on Wednesday, according to the UP Office of the Student Regent.

Three police officers visited Buenaflor’s home at 9 a.m. while he was at UP Diliman. His uncle reportedly refused to receive the subpoena. The subpoena was said to be issued over Buenaflor’s role as an organizer in recent protests over the past month. Buenaflor was notified by neighbors that police would issue a warrant of arrest if he did not appear to give a statement.

Buenaflor is the fourth student leader summoned — and the first from UP — following Tiffany Brillante and Jacob Baluyot from PUP, and Aldrin Kitsune from De La Salle–College of St. Benilde.

The PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) stated on 6 October that it could summon more than 20 individuals linked to recent protests, seeking the supposed leaders behind the violent clashes in Mendiola on 21 September.

In a statement, the student regent said this was a clear attempt by the PNP to suppress those who participated in the protest, calling it part of the police force’s “brutality,” from arbitrary arrests to witch-hunting of leaders and individuals.

Various student councils and organizations have since released statements supporting Buenaflor. KASAMA sa UP described the subpoena and his possible arrest as “baseless.”