12 nabbed for hazing in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve boys, including 10 in their teens, were arrested for hazing along Old Panaderos Street in Sta. Ana, Manila.

In a report, the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 6 said the boys were caught on camera beating an 18-year-old boy who was seeking membership in a street gang called Temple Street Trese.

“Initial investigation disclosed that the said incident was a part of initiation rites called the ‘30 seconds massacre’ of their brotherhood,” the report said.

M/Sgts. Arnold Opimo and Johnver Trucilla, S/Sgt. Teodorico Arias and Cpl. Aeron Arnold Ataop, who were patrolling Barangay 889 near midnight on Feb. 2, saw the incident and arrested the gang members.

According to the officers, at least five boys took turns in punching and kicking the victim, identified as Marvin Jay Cain, while others looked on and filmed the action using their cell phones.

The beating stopped only after the gang members saw the approaching policemen.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law of 2018 were filed against suspects Mark Angelo Santos and Charles Andrew Ramirez, both 18, and the 10 others who were unnamed as they were below 17.

If convicted, the 12 could face life in prison and a fine of up to P3 million, the MPD said.