A 19-year-old criminology student died after allegedly being subjected to hazing by a fraternity at Davao City university.
In a report by Cyril Chaves of GMA Regional TV Cagayan de Oro in Unang Balita this Tuesday, the victim was identified as August Ceazar Saplot, who sustained serious bruises on his thigh.
It is said to be a possible result of hitting him with a hard object, according to authorities.
A student was also taken to the hospital with injuries in different parts of the body.
The investigation revealed that the alleged initiation happened in Upper Mandug this Sunday afternoon.
It is said that the victim collapsed in the middle of the initiation.
Eight suspected members of the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity Alpha Delta Chapter were arrested, while six other fraternity members who allegedly brought a paddle used in the initiation escaped.
The police have identified the fleeing suspects.
Saplot’s relatives called for justice.
The suspects are facing a charge of violating the Anti-Hazing Law, while the victim’s remains are scheduled to undergo an autopsy.
According to the University of Mindanao, it condemns the hazing that happened involving some fourth-year students of the College of Criminal Justice Education.
Criminology student dead in fraternity hazing
Fraternities are prohibited after implementing the Anti-Hazing law, and the said fraternity is also not a recognized organization in the university.
The university sympathizes with Saplot’s relatives and promises to assist them and another victim confined to the hospital.
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 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.”
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