University of Mindanao scribes quit editorial posts amid ‘controlled’ press restrictions

Student journalists from the official student publication of University of Mindanao (UM), the Primum, stepped down from their positions from the editorial board after the university allegedly imposed restrictions on their coverage and deleted their official Facebook page.

According to one of the publication’s writers, members of the editorial team were instructed by the UM administration to avoid politically-inclined content, as the university considers itself “apolitical.”

Because of this directive, the publication was reportedly asked to limit its coverage primarily to university-related content such as school events, announcements, and institutional achievements.

“We were being controlled at that point. As student journalists, that kind of limitation doesn’t really align with the values and principles we believe journalism should uphold,” the stated.

Rather than operate under those conditions, several members of the editorial board decided to step down, saying the restrictions would compromise the principles of journalism and editorial independence.

“We were given a choice actually—continue but limited ang coverage, that means no politics, or nothing,” the writer added.

The tensions reportedly escalated following posts by the publication that commemorated historical and political events, including coverage of EDSA-related activities, reflections on former President Duterte’s policies, and commentaries on Martial Law in the Philippines. 

Sources said these posts were perceived by the administration as politically sensitive, which triggered the decision to impose stricter limitations on the editorial team.

The issue reportedly began during the first week of February, when the editorial team was asked to remain silent while waiting for an official statement from the university administration.

However, weeks later, the publication’s staff said they had yet to receive any response regarding the promised statement.

Following the resignation of the editorial team, the publication’s social media page was reportedly deleted, further fueling concerns among students about the condition of campus press freedom within the institution.

In a Facebook post, the publication’s associate editor-in-chief criticized attempts to suppress the issue, emphasizing that silence would not prevent the truth from emerging.

“No matter how much your dirty hands persevere to dogpile on the truth and hide it, it will always come out one way or another,” the associate editor-in-chief  wrote.

“You wanted silence because you thought avoidance would benefit you and keep the people’s eyes at bay, but that very same silence became the cause of this uproar. You may not acknowledge us, but you will hear us.”