Palace: Benilde hazing suspects will face full force of law

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday condemned the alleged hazing of college sophomore Guillo Cesar Servando and vowed to go after those responsible for his death by using the full extent of the law.

"Certainly, this recent case of hazing is unacceptable to government and so we are going to pursue all those who are instrumental in the heinous murder of this particular individual," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a televised press briefing.

"We will definitely use the full force of the law to go after the hazing conspirators," he added.

The 18-year-old Servando, a hotel and restaurant management student of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) died Saturday in apparent fraternity initiation rites.

According to a STAR report, Servando and three fellow students were picked up at One Archers Place along Taft Avenue in Malate, Manila by members of the Alpha Kappa Rho (Akrho) fraternity.

When the four students were brought back to the same condominium, they were all beaten black and blue while Servando was also lifeless.

A Red Cross rescue team said Servando was dead while the three other students were rushed to the Philippine General Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Read: St. Benilde sophomore dies in fraternity hazing

With the latest hazing incident, the Palace is warning fraternities against such violent initiation rites.

"This should not continue. We certainly would warn fraternities that there is an Anti-Hazing Act. And if any death occurs, you will be held liable," Lacierd said.

"Think about your future. You are at the cusp of your maturity or adulthood and if you do that, you are just wasting away your productive years in prison," the Palace official added.

Violence not for brotherhood

Meanwhile, Senator Bam Aquino also condemned the latest hazing incident as a "senseless act."

"This culture of violence must stop now! We strongly denounce the use of inhumane means because it has no space in a civilized and modern society where we live in," said the senator, a cousin of President Benigno Aquino III.

"Violence is not the way to foster brotherhood and camaraderie. There are other more humane ways where we can cultivate brotherhood and unity," he added.

Aquino urged authorities to ensure that those behind Servando's death will be punished for their crimes.