NOLCOM backs the termination of UP – DND Accord
Camp Aquino, Tarlac City— In a statement made on Thursday, NOLCOM Chief expressed their full support to the decision of the Department of National Defense in terminating the UP – DND Accord.
“Your soldiers are primarily the protectors of our freedom and the rights of our people. The termination of the accord is a sign that we are no longer in the times that our freedom is curtailed and the academe is prevented from thriving in its environment. It does not mean censorship. Academic freedom remains and will always be advocated and safeguarded by the AFP. We want to prevent an instance where there is actual danger and we cannot respond and protect our people”, said Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of Northern Luzon Command.
He added that most of the schools and universities in NOLCOM’s area of operation do not have this kind of agreement but still they exercise their academic freedom, “Most if not all of our schools and universities here in Central and Northern Luzon do not have this accord but have grown into fortresses of learning and development.”
He ended his statement with assurance, saying that “We will respect the need for prior notice before any lawful operations, with proper warrants. This is already guaranteed by the law, and the accord makes it redundant. Your soldiers have already reached a level of maturity and we will act with prudence on the matter as the law requires us.”
Northern Luzon Command has close ties with the academic community, having installed a member of the academe as Head of their Multi-sector Governance Council. This is the governing body that supervises and monitors NOLCOM’s efforts for genuine transformation towards organizational excellence.