By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Five members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity have surrendered to authorities in connection with the alleged fatal hazing of a 19-year-old maritime student in Cavite, police said Monday.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Randulf Tuaño said the five surrendered in Cavite on Sunday —one in Dasmariñas City and four in General Trias.
“Kaugnay ng development sa update hazing na nangyari sa General Trias, Cavite. Kahapon, meron sumuko na lima, isa sa city mayor ng Dasmarinas, isa pong 19 years old, apat sa General Trias, isang 23 years old, isang 21, isang 18 at isang 19 years old (Regarding the development in the hazing incident in General Trias, Cavite. Yesterday, five surrendered, one to the city mayor of Dasmarinas, a 19-year-old, then four to General Trias aged 23, 21, 18 and 19),” Tuaño said.
Tuaño said investigators have yet to determine the roles of the surrenderees in the hazing incident.
He said police have narrowed the number of suspects with direct participation to 15.
The PNP spokesperson said cases for violation of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Law, will be filed through regular procedures.
Under this process, the surrenderees may initially be released by the court but could later be ordered arrested, Tuaño said.
In an interview earlier in the day, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said the four who surrendered to police were accompanied by representatives of the Tau Gamma Phi National Council, personnel from the Police Regional Office Calabarzon Intelligence Unit, and two lawyers.
“Siyempre, natutuwa naman ako na nakikisama sila, pero hindi pa kumpleto ‘yan. Hindi naman puwedeng installment ang bigayan dito (Of course, I’m happy they’re cooperating, but it’s still not complete. The surrenders cannot be by installment),” he said.
The victim, Mark Kenneth Alcedo, died while allegedly undergoing initiation rites with two other neophytes on March 1.
An autopsy showed Alcedo died of blunt force trauma to the lower extremities. Police investigators also found fruits and chili seeds on his groin and buttocks. (PNA)
