TUP to conduct own probe on hazing death

The Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) will conduct a separate investigation into the death of one of its students, who is believed to have been a victim of hazing.

Clark Anson Silverio, a TUP mechanical engineering student, was dead upon arrival at the Manila Sanitarium Hospital in Pasay City last week.

He sustained bruises and wounds in different parts of the body, which police said were caused by continuous beating using a heavy object during fraternity initiation rites.

TUP president Dr. Godofredo Gallega has convened officials and staff of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), the Office of Guidance and Counseling, the medical unit, together with the civil and security officers to study the case and recommend measures on how to address the problem.

"This is indeed a barbaric act and I will never tolerate this in the university. The administration is taking all the necessary actions against unlawful acts of certain elements in the campus which are not duly registered and accredited by the Office of Student Affairs," Gallega said in a statement.

Prof. Eduardo Doyaoen, director of TUP’s Office of Public Affairs noted that the incident happened in a barangay in Makati City and not within the university premises.

While those being tagged as responsible were students of TUP, they belong to a group that is not recognized and accredited by the university.

Silverio’s body was brought to the hospital by Edmar Gipan, a student of TUP and member of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.

He said the TUP academic community still considers the case a university concern since its students are involved.

Doyaoen said the TUP administration is fully cooperating with police in their own investigation.

Partial list of names of those who may be able to shed light on the incident, as identified by concerned students, has been submitted to the OSA. The same list was given to the Makati police.

The TUP community has conveyed its deepest sympathy to the family of Silverio as they declared last Wednesday a day of mourning. Students and employees wore black shirts and black arm bands on campus to symbolize their fight against violence.