SAR’s Academic Freedom Monitoring Project investigates and reports attacks on higher education with the aim of raising awareness, generating advocacy, and increasing protection for scholars, students, and academic communities. Starting July 1, 2026, SAR no longer publishes reports for the incidents that it records. SAR continues to monitor and record incidents that will be used in the annual Free to Think report. This page provides a record of incidents reported up to that date. Learn more about the Academic Freedom Monitoring Project.

Date of Incident: October 03, 2021

Attack Types: Killings, Violence, Disappearances

Institution(s):Bicol University

Region & Country:Southeastern Asia | Philippines

New or Ongoing:New Incident

On October 3, 2021, two grenades were reportedly detonated on the Bicol University campus.

No injuries or significant damage were reported in connection with the grenade explosions, though the university ordered a temporary suspension of work on campus. Shell casings were found outside the university’s administrative building. It is not clear what was being targeted.

Scholars at Risk is concerned by a violent attack on a higher education institution. State authorities should take steps to prevent and respond to such attacks, including by carrying out investigations and holding perpetrators accountable, in accordance with international human rights standards. Violent attacks on campuses undermine core higher education values, including academic freedom, and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/532191/philippines-investigation-into-explosions-at-bicol-university-legazpi-city-as-of-oct-6?
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1496814/twin-blasts-hit-bicol-university
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/10/06/eleazar-orders-probe-into-bicol-u-blasts/