Tau Gamma Phi member turns state witness

A Makati cop cordons a residence believed to be the site of the fatal hazing by Tau Gamma Phi fraternity that killed an 18-year-old college student in late June. Photo on the right shows a tree in the "hazing" house bearing the logo of the fraternity.

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Justice (DOJ) has provisionally admitted to theWitness Protection Program a Tau Gamma Phi member, who will testify against his fraternity brothers in the hazing death of neophyte Guillo Servando.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima confirmed Wednesday that the suspect, who is yet to be publicly identified, was confirmed into the program after submitting his sworn statement.

The suspect, who surrendered Tuesday night to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), claims to have seen the fatal initiation rites of 18-year-old De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde student.

Lawyer Joel Tobera of the NBI Death Investigation Unit said that the witness detailed and reenacted the incident for investigators.

"To strengthen further our case, as further  revelation of the witness in his sworn statement explained to us his blow by blow account," Tobera said in an interview aired over ANC on Wednesday.

The NBI said it may file today or tomorrow the case against the suspects in the hazing held on June 28.

Read related: Hazing suspect surrenders

Servando’s fellow neophytes and hazing victims John Paul Raval and Lorenze Agustin have submitted their sworn affidavits, while the NBI and the Makati police are waiting for the fourth victim's testimony.

Among the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity members tagged in the fatal hazing of Servando were Tau Gamma chapter president Cody Morales, alleged master initiator Emeng Calupas, fraternity secretary Daniel Martin Bautista, Pope Bautista, Hans Tamaring, Trex Garcia, Kevin Navoa, and Carl Floresca. - reports from Edu Punay and Mike Frialde

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