ANTIQUE – The University of Antique (UA) expressed sadness over the death of a student leader.
The 23-year-old Fredrick Mark Alba was a third year college student. He was found dead in their house in San Jose de Buenavista town on Friday morning, May 6.
“We, as a community of the University of Antique, are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our students, Mr. Fredrick Mark Alba. We would like to extend our deepest condolences and express our deep sorrow to his family and friends,” read part of the official public statement of UA signed by Dr. Pablo Crespo Jr., university president, dated May 8.
UA described Alba as “an active student leader (and) a loving friend.”
“We enjoin one and all to join us in our prayers for the repose of his soul,” added the UA statement.
It also refuted “earlier reports and posts of the involvement of any of UA’s administration, faculty, or staff.”
It then urged the “UA community to please use the power and influence of social media to build and not to destroy, to heal and not to break, to love and not to hurt.”
Gov. Rhodora Cadiao also expressed sadness.
“I sorrowfully condole with the family of Frederic Mark Bico Alba. He had gone before us too early. Rest assured of my prayers and all-out support in whatever way I can,” according to Cadiao in a public statement issued on May 7.
The San Jose police station launched an investigation although Police Staff Sergeant Albert Talidong, investigator, said foul play was a remote possibility.
The Alba family has not issued a statement.
According to Cadiao, “This experience taught us a terrible lesson; that in the pursuit of supporting ideas, we become monsters that we seek to vanquish. This is sad, terrible, and worthy of utmost condemnation. I say this again and again, we may differ in our expression yet this must not diminish our humanity. Be reminded always that words are powerful, it can drive a person to his grave.”/PN
