A big story hit the community that even reached the cyberspace. The most commented “Martial Law in FEU” involving not just the current students, faculty members but even alumni. Since its posting last January 9, series of talks paved the cyber world that ignited several assemblies and movements of students and faculty supporting the alleged dark era of security brought by the new management.

It is commendable to see how the students united through wearing red and black ribbons and how they were able to voice their defense through the use of the new technology. However, dismay arises as the movement strengths without having both sides presented.

Analysing the incident, it all started in the way Prof. Geofferson Ting, FEUFA president was allegedly harassed by the security guards. It was words versus words and claims versus allegations. This turned out as a catalyst that fired up the sentiments of the students who in their view, where somehow offended by the security.

FEU Advocate conducted a series of paper and people trail. Statements were noted regarding the incident, however due to the legal matters of the issue, basic information and time lines were the things considered by the publication.

Setting aside legality, matters can be discussed to the way things were addressed and interpreted by both parties: the community and the security.

Getting in the bigger picture, setting the boundaries between roles and rights are bound to subjectivity. Though there are existing protocols, it adapts changes and needs improvement in most cases.

There were lapses when it comes to the info dissemination of security as well as the job distribution and specification. Though Security Manager Marcelo Bitun claimed that he gives orders personally and is hands on in evaluating and orienting the guards, problems arises in the execution.

Take for instance the new memorandum in terms of the usage of vacant rooms. According to Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Technical Services Engr. Rudy Gaspillo their aim was not to keep the students out of the rooms during vacant periods, but to at least conserve energy through turning off conditioning units. Moreover, the newly implemented grounds in terms of eating in the academic premises. The management discouraged eating in the rooms and even in the corridors to maintain order and cleanliness.

Now, how are these new memo executed?

Guards act as the checker and also the air conditioning maintenance. As ordered, they ask the students to leave the vacant rooms whether the air-conditioning unit is used or not. This is how it is executed, fairly restricted but to higher officials it is just to keep the electric bill cheaper.

In the eyes of the majority, guards are enemies who unwarrantly intrude into their activities which bode violence and without consideration. To the gatekeepers—the guards they’re just there to do what they were paid for to secure a resisting community.

With or without a checker, without striking words as arms, clear distinction, proper information dissemination and a handful of respect—a better community awaits.