An 18-year-old student from Kalayaan town, Laguna died on arrival at the General Cailles Hospital in Pakil, Laguna after he allegedly underwent hazing or initiation rites by the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity this Sunday.
According to a report by the Kalayaan Municipal Police Station, information reached their office this Sunday that a young man allegedly died after drowning in a river. When they went there, they found out that it was hazing.
The victim’s grandmother allegedly told the police that he was rushed to the hospital.
The victim was identified as Reymarc Rabutazo of Barangay Longos, Kalayaan, Laguna.
Bruises were seen on the victim’s thighs.
The Kalayaan Municipal Police Station has requested that the victim’s body be autopsied.
During this time, some members and officials of Tau Gamma Phi in Kalayaan, Laguna are said to be cooperating with them.
Republic Act No. 11053 states:
“(a) Hazing refers to any act that results in physical or psychological suffering, harm, or injury inflicted on a recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member as part of an initiation rite or practice made as a prerequisite for admission or a requirement for continuing membership in a fraternity, sorority, or organization including, but not limited to paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced
18-year-old student dead in Laguna hazing
physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical and psychological health of such recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member. This shall also include any activity, intentionally made or otherwise, by one person alone or acting with others, that tends to humiliate or embarrass, degrade, abuse, or endanger, by requiring a recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member to do menial, silly, or foolish tasks.”
It added, “The penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00) shall be imposed upon those who actually planned or participated in the hazing if, as a consequence of the hazing, death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation results therefrom.”
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