In a rare display of unity, the UPD administration and the University Student Council rallied today, August 31 to condemn the untimely death of National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) senior Cris Anthony Mendez.
The rally started at the lobby of the NCPAG building and ended in front of the Palma Hall. It was attended by members of the college faculty, led by Dean Alex Brilliantes, members of the student council and the UPD administration, as respresented by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Elizabeth L. Enriquez. Quezon City Vice-Mayor Herbert Bautista, who came in his capacity as head of the NCPAG alumni association, was also present at the rally.
All collectively condemned the prevailing culture of violence in the university and encouraged those in the know of the circumstances relating to Mendez’ death to come out in the open, with both the Quezon City government and the university officials pledging to get to the bottom of things.
The program ended with the laying of flower in front of Mendez' portrait at the steps of Palma Hall.
Mendez was rushed to the Veterans Memorial Center around 1 am Tuesday morning, covered in bruises especially at the back of his arms and thighs. He was declared dead a few hours later, leading to suspicions that he might be a victim of fraternity hazing
—AK Regidor