5 women charged with hazing

MANILA, Philippines - Five alleged members of a sorority were charged with hazing yesterday for reportedly inflicting injuries on a recruit during an initiation rite in Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City on Jan. 10.

Marlyn Alagbate, reportedly a student of the University of Perpetual Help, was subjected to inquest proceedings with the city prosecutor’s office, Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona said.

She was arrested on Jan. 11 after she was accused by Pauline Santos of recruiting her for the Tau Gamma Phi Sigma sorority and hitting her with a paddle during the initiation.

Four other women – Lhen Gracias, Marie Buenavente,  Lala Murase and Angie Magsael – were also charged with violating Republic Act 8049, the anti-hazing law, Estipona said.

He added that police investigators are coordinating with university officials to determine if the five women were indeed students.

Santos said after the initiation, the suspects brought her to a tricycle terminal and left her there.