MANILA - The University of the Philippines (UP) has raised with the Philippine National Police (PNP) the presence of 3 policemen at the Diliman campus to search for a student leader.

In a statement, the state university said the "policemen went to the residence of Student Regent Ivy Joy Taroma, looking for her without disclosing their reasons," according to witnesses.

"They later proceeded to Palma Hall, presumably in continuation of their search. Pictures of the visit surfaced on social media, provoking protests from student leaders, including Regent Taroma herself," the statement read.

UP President Danilo Concepcion has written to PNP chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde regarding the policemen's visit on Wednesday, the university said.

"The UP community is deeply alarmed by this intrusion and the possible reasons for its undertaking, and I am writing to inquire (1) if you or your local superintendents were aware of, and authorized, this visit; and (2) if so, what its official purpose was," the letter read.

Concepcion, in his letter, pointed out that UP and law enforcers have "had a longstanding agreement to observe prior coordination with each other...to prevent any misunderstandings."

“Such sudden and uncoordinated intrusions tend to raise concerns about the repression of civil liberties and human rights, and I hope that you will respond to allay those concerns and assure us that these incidents will not recur under your administration," he said.