UP Diliman student sexually assaulted on campus; CHED says incident a 'wake-up call' to review security policies

Warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.

A female student from the University of the Philippines Diliman was sexually assaulted on campus on the night of July 1.

The UPD Office of the Chancellor confirmed the incident, saying the assault happened along Ylanan Street.

The student is still under medical care, while the suspect remains at large.

The chancellor's office said it's working with police authorities for the immediate apprehension of the suspect and is closely coordinating with the survivor to provide all necessary assistance.

"Everyone is reminded to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious to the UPDP," the office said, adding it's deploying more roving security personnel and police officers in different areas of the campus, especially after office hours.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in a statement also confirmed the assault inside UP grounds.

CHED Chairman Popoy de Vera, who's also a chairman at the UP Board of Regents, said they're extending all possible assistance to the student and her family at this time of great challenge.

“We extend our deep concern to our victim-survivor," De Vera said. "I share with the entire UP Community our full support for her and her family in overcoming this difficult traumatic hurdle in their lives."

He added that the "despicable criminal act" is a wake-up call for UP to review and rationalize its security and safety policies, including its operational engagement with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies "in order to make the campus safe and secure."