IN LIGHT of recent attacks against democracy and press freedom, various members of the Ateneo community gathered at Gate 3 for the Black Ribbon Tying and Noise Barrage last July 27.

The event, which the Office of the Vice President for Social Development and the Loyola Schools Faculty Social Involvement Team organized, was held on the same day that President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address.

Attendees including employees and Jesuit novitiates protested various issues such as Congress’ denial of the ABS-CBN franchise renewal, Rappler Chief Executive Officer Maria Ressa’s cyberlibel conviction, and the signing of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Bill into law. The protesters also raised placards that demanded mass testing and improved government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, protesters tied black ribbons on the metal fencing of the campus to express dissent to these issues. Motorists passing by Katipunan Avenue honked back as well to show their support as the country continues to struggle with the government’s militarized response to the pandemic and violations of press freedom and human rights.

“Hindi pangkaraniwan o usual ang mga nakaraang mobilization na naganap during this pandemic. Pero kung iisipin, matagal na tayong nabubuhay sa mga kakaibang mundo kung saan pinakanaaapektuhan ang mga nasa laylayan. Kaya patuloy lang hanggang kayang lumaban; padayon lang,” Interim Sanggunian President Jb Bejarin said in an interview with The GUIDON.

(Past mobilizations that occurred during this pandemic were not common. But in hindsight, we have long lived in strange worlds where those on the fringes of society are most affected. So keep going until we can keep fighting; just keep going.)

Prior to entry into campus, the protesters were required to accomplish a health declaration form and adhere to the University’s health protocols such as vehicle disinfection, temperature checks, and social distancing by at least two meters.