Crime Scene Investigation 101: Evidence Should Not Be Tampered

Disclaimer: I am not a member of Upsilon, nor am I writing this as a member of Buklod-UPLB. This is an independent opinion position paper after following recent events in my beloved university.

Last week, a photograph circulated around Facebook depicting Eric Velasco, a member of Upsilon Sigma Phi and the son of UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco, being "escorted" by a policeman. The photograph was captioned as (in essence): "Anak ni Chancy, huli sa aktong nambablack prop." (http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs163.snc3/19038_289623651107_650711107_3226500_3655417_n.jpg). Mr. Velasco was accused by Sakbayan, a political party. In the photo, Mr. Velasco was only seen going out of a room with his left hand over his head. No black propaganda material was in his possession. With this, Mr. Velasco is now seen as a CRIMINAL.

However, according to Ms. Denijez Tan, a Sociology major, if one asks Sakbayan where the black propaganda paraphernalia is, they would simply answer "Nasa Amin."

Okay. Black propaganda, caught in the act = Eric's already a criminal. Big question: WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE? ACCORDING TO SAKBAYAN, IT'S IN THEIR POSSESSION.

I think I've watched too many CSI's, BONES, and NUMB3RS to know for a fact that the first protocol in "crime" investigation is NOT TO TAMPER WITH EVIDENCE FOUND AT THE CRIME SCENE. How come a group has gained possession of such evidence?

But the better question is:
IS THERE REALLY EVIDENCE TO BEGIN WITH?

These so-called student-leaders say they push for the genuine interests of all students, regardless of affiliation. Then why is Mr. Velasco treated unjustly and being tried via publicity? How about his rights as a student? Doesn't he have the right to due process? Mr. Velasco is still a student of UPLB, the son of chancellor or not.

These student-leaders clamor for social justice, but in this situation, then JUSTICE IS NOT BEING SERVED.