PNP denies role in survey on social media’s role on insurgency, extremism

March 14, 2018

The Philippine National Police (PNP) denies a hand in the survey that was circulated at the University of the Philippines (UP) related to possible role of social media on insurgency and extremism.

“The survey questionnaire being referred to by UP officials about violent extremism as seen in the photo appears to be a survey questionnaire for research projects being done by Public Safety Advance Officers Course students of the National Police College which is under the supervision of the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), an agency under the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government,” Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, PNP spokesman, said Tuesday.

Bulalacao said research projects are normally part of the academic requirement for the Public Safety Advance Officers Course.

“While it appears that the researchers are PNP commissioned officers, they are currently under the sanction of the PPSC as they are undergoing academic training,” he said.

“The PNP nonetheless will coordinate with the PPSC to further validate the matter so that necessary coordination’s maybe made,” he added.

When asked if the PNP has planned to stop the distribution of survey questioners which was reportedly opposes by the university, Bulalacao said it will depend on the decision of the PPSC leadership.

“We leave it to the discretion of the PPSC leadership to advise their students on what to do,” he said.

UP is discouraging its students to participate in the survey saying that it is not approved by the university, news reports said. Robina Asido/DMS