Police to summon 7 San Beda frat neophytes

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines  – The seven neophytes of Lex Leonum Fraternitas, who expressed their willingness to testify against the suspects in the death of hazing victim Marc Andrei Marcos, will be summoned by police investigators.

Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent James Melad said he instructed Cavite police director Senior Superintendent John Bulalacao, who heads Task Force Marcos, to coordinate with the administration of San Beda College.

“We will invite the seven neophytes to reveal all they knew about Marcos’s death,” Melad said.

Melad identified the neophytes as Manuel Adrian Cabansag, Enrico Pizaras Lopez, Daniel Almuete Baltazar, Jan Marcel Valendo Ragaza, John Ray Rivera, Jason Marquez Esquerra and Reynaldo Dalisay.

He assured the students of their safety and protection, and gave them until Friday to appear before the investigating panel.

Melad told The STAR the seven neophytes are not yet considered suspects in Marcos’ death, but warned that they would be included in the charges if they would not show up.

“We are still treating them as victims like Marcos as of this time, but, if they decide to hide, we would consider them as perpetrators under the anti-hazing law,” Melad said.

He said the seven neophytes sent feelers last Friday that they want to surface to give their sworn statement.

Melad said Mohammad Fyzee Alim and Gian Angelo Veluz, whose farm in Sitio Bisaya, Dasmariñas City, Cavite was the venue for the hazing rites, would be charged for the death of Marcos.

“We’re still waiting for an arrest warrant from the court before a province-wide manhunt would be launched for the suspects,” he said.