14 Tau Gamma men arrested for hazing

Police have arrested at least 14 members of Tau Gamma Phi for allegedly conducting a hazing in barangay Mambaling Friday afternoon.

The fratmen were caught in the act of hitting the two recruits inside the Felix Calsada Compound of the barangay by concerned citizens who then called up the police.

Sr. Insp. Andres Bayarcal, Insp. Edgar Nacario, PO3 Ramon Bolonggaita, PO3 Ariel Coloscos, PO2 John Paul Bacalso and PO2 Celso Sarona immediately went to the area and arrested the fratmen.

Arrested were Cesario Delica, the alleged leader of the group with a rank of Grand Triskelion, Genn Cabungcal, 28, Julius Ortiz, 18, Ralph Manlapas, 18, Earl Pertocorta, 19, Jayvon Mausisa, 19, Karl Dumanil, 23, Allen Abanto, 19, Bamban Balunan, 20, Bong Ong, 20, EJ Serafin Laroga, 20, Jan Leigh Seno Hortelano, 19 and Eric James Soon.

The arresting officers said when they arrived at the scene, they saw the group surround the two recruits identified as Isagani Catubig, 22, and Soy Roswyn Canta, while Delica was holding a black wooden paddle with “Triskelion” markings.

Police, who claimed they actually saw Delica in the act of hitting the two recruits with the paddle, immediately rushed the two recruits to Cebu City Medical Center. They also recovered from the group the paddle used in the initiation.

But police expressed disappointment after learning that the two recruits refused to execute affidavits against those who hit them.

 In spite of this, SPO2 Bestilio Dabatos of the Mambaling Police Station told The Freeman that they would still pursue the case. In fact, they have already filed it before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law were filed against the 14 fratmen while the two recruits were freed by the police. — Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM