PNP wants airtight case against hazing suspects

Manila, Philippines -  Police investigators are set to file amended information on the hazing case stemming from the death of San Beda Law freshman Marc Andre Marcos to include the injuries of eight other neophytes.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said police authorities are working hard to ensure an airtight case against the perpetrators.

“We want to make it stronger and file supplementary charges and we are still locating more witnesses, evidence,” Bartolome added.

In the supplemental information, Cavite police said the complaints were anchored on the statement of neophytes Ryan Maranan and Ed Lara that there were a total of nine neophytes who underwent hazing rituals, including Marcos.

Marcos was rushed to De La Salle University Medical Center last July 29 for medical treatment. Doctors claimed Marcos was already dead on arrival but they managed to revive him five times.

Investigators learned that aside from Marcos, who died due to severe injuries in the thighs and arms, eight other neophytes were subjected to hazing inside the farm owned by the parents of frat member Gian Angelo Veluz.

“To the victims and those involved in the incident, this is the time for you to help in the investigation,” Bartolome urged.

He noted that flight is an indication of guilt and advised those involved to face the consequence of their action and defend themselves in proper venue. He added that everyone would be given fair treatment.

Bartolome clarified that no reward has been offered yet for any information that could help locate individuals believed involved in the hazing.

“Lately, two neophytes surfaced and gave their accounts. I think in the coming days more people will come out and help and I think there is no need (for reward) yet as of now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent James Melad said that they are ready to proceed with their manhunt operations.

“We’re only just awaiting an arrest warrant from court before a manhunt operation can be launched against the suspects, Melad told The STAR.

Melad also instructed Cavite police director Senior Superintendent John Bulalacao to secure the photographs of those listed in the anonymous letter, which tagged San Beda students, some alumni and several others in the hazing incident.

“We will show a copy to Maranan and Lara so that they could identify them,” he said.

Veluz, tagged as the key suspect, failed to surrender last Friday and remains at large.

According to Melad, Veluz could be hiding somewhere in Cavite, Manila or nearby provinces.

He added there were politicians who already expressed interest to help the Veluz family in facilitating Gian’s surrender.

Melad also ordered Bulalacao to look into the liability of Gian’s father, who owns the farm in Dasmariñas, Cavite where the hazing rites were conducted.

“His son contacted him during the initiation rites in his farm so he knows that his son along with other neophytes and fraternity members were there,” Melad noted.

Maximum penalty for hazing sought

Two Mindanao lawmakers proposed yesterday that the maximum penalty of life imprisonment should be imposed on those who participate in hazing activities.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and his brother Maximo, who represents the party-list group Abante Mindanao, filed Bill 6363, which seeks to amend the Republic Act 8049, otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Law.

The two sought the amendment in the wake of the death of Marcos, the second San Beda law student to die in seven months this year due to hazing.

In February, Marvin Reglos also died during initiation rites.

Rufus Rodriguez once served as dean of the College of Law in San Beda College.

Under Bill 6363, any officer or member of any fraternity, sorority or organization, who inflicts harm on any recruit in initiation ceremonies would be liable as a principal and suffer the penalty of life imprisonment regardless of the extent of injury suffered by the hazing victim.

The present law imposes life imprisonment only if the victim dies, is raped, sodomized or mutilated. The jail time also depend on the victim’s injury and range from four to 20 years.

Besides direct hazing participants, fraternity, sorority or organization officers, former officers or alumni who planned the hazing would be considered principals even if they do not attend the actual initiation.

An adviser who attends the initiation but does nothing to prevent hazing is also considered a principal.

The owner of the place where hazing is conducted and school authorities, including faculty members, who consent to the hazing or who do not take action to prevent it would be liable as accomplices and meted out lesser jail terms.

In filing the bill, the Rodriguez brothers said the present Anti-Hazing Law has failed to prevent violence from happening in various fraternities, sororities and other organizations.

“Despite its enactment in 1995, there are still numerous reports of death and injuries, the most recent of which are the cases of Marvin Reglos and Andre Marcos. This only shows that there is a need to strengthen the law by providing a higher penalty and stricter implementation,” they said.

The Senate is scheduled today to inquire into the San Beda hazing incidents.

Sen. Loren Legarda also suggested that research should be conducted on effective administrative practices to regulate fraternities, sororities and organizations.

“Banning these student endeavors will only result in driving them underground, making it harder for them to be monitored. Alternatives should be sought and implemented immediately,” Legarda said. – With Ed Amoroso, Jess Diaz