NBI takes back seat in hazing probe

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is taking a back seat in the investigation into the death of San Beda freshman law student Marvin Reglos during alleged initiation rites by the Lambda Rho Beta fraternity.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said she has talked to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and agreed to let the Philippine National Police (PNP) be the lead agency in the probe with the NBI just taking a supporting role.

She cited as main reason her link to the fraternity involved in the hazing in an Antipolo City resort last Feb. 19 where Reglos was killed.

Lambda Rho Beta is the counterpart of the Lambda Rho Sigma sorority in the San Beda College of Law that De Lima co-founded.

De Lima said she supports the police move to file murder charges against over 20 members of Lambda Rho Beta, including Grand Rhoan Eduardo Escobal II, for Reglos’ death.

Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III said he has directed the provincial legal office to assign lawyers during the trial. Reglos was laid to rest in his hometown of Burgos in Isabela last Saturday. – With Charlie Lagasca