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SU Divinity responds to allegations of communist recruitment

by Nina Isabelle Alolod | November 5, 2022

Silliman University Divinity School (SUDS) responded to false claims that pointed them as the root of communist recruitment through an official statement on Oct. 27.

The allegations were fabricated by two pastors from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and broadcasted on the SMNI News Channel owned by Davao-based religious leader Apollo Quiboloy last Sept. 19.

Pastors Nathaniel Anas and Romeo Ngoho said on air during the “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” program, “We have established the process of radicalization, recruitment, and infiltration that starts back at Silliman University that is owned by UCCP.”

SUDS posted an official response to the accusations on their Facebook page. It said, “These are false and misleading conclusions and violate journalistic ethics. They establish a conclusion without investigating further to hear from Silliman University Divinity School for a fair, accurate, and balanced report.”

“First, they categorically state that Silliman University is owned by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. This is not true. The UCCP has five permanent seats on the Board of Trustees, but she does not own Silliman University,” SUDS added.

SUDS further clarified that the false allegations of communist recruitment and infiltration were made by elderly alumni. “The youngest of them, Pastor Anas, has not been involved with Silliman University for 20 years.” 

“Silliman University controls the student organizations on campus and the deans are monitoring their departments carefully. Recruitment and infiltration do not start at Silliman University,” SUDS said.

SUDS concluded, “We call upon all UCCP Pastors to address their grievances against the church through the proper channels and not in public forums that may be misused.”

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