Naked and gagged, UP fratmen slam attack vs. media during Oblation Run

Members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity join the annual Oblation Run at the University of the Philippines Diliman on Friday, February 8, 2019. Jhun Dantes

A departure from tradition, around 30 masked members of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity on Friday ran around the UP Diliman campus — still naked though — for the annual Oblation Run with their mouths gagged and carrying blank protest signs.

This year, the Oblation runners called for an end to the attacks on the media and press freedom, even as they urged the public to invoke their right to free expression.

“We stand behind every Filipino who wants to say their piece—be it for themselves, their own sector, or for all of society.We support everyone who seeks to chart their own path out of historical injustice and structural prejudice plaguing their communities. We open the Oblation Run to everyone who wants to express themselves,” APO said in a statement.

The APO fratmen carried blank signs to protest the suppression of press freedom and advocate free expression. Kaela Malig

APO added, “Ultimately, our exercise in free expression—running naked for a cause—will be done in deference to all sectors of society who want to be heard.”

Now on its 41st run, this year's run carried the theme, “Sa Aming Sariling Landas: Takbo Para sa Kalayaan ng Pamamahayag at Pansariling Determinasyon (On Our Own Path: An Oblation Run for Freedom of Expression and Self-determination).”

According to Wilnor Papa, an alumnus of APO, “Bakit blanko ang placards? Dahil gusto namin manggaling sa inyo ano gusto ninyo sabihin.”

“Because we want to amplify your voices, we want to be with you… Once media is silenced, who do you think is next?,” he added.

Usually held around late November to early December, this year's Oblation Run was moved to the same week as the founding anniversary of the APO chapter in the University of the Philippines’ flagship campus. — MDM, GMA News