Fraternity admits Laguna student was initiated into the organization

The Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity suggested that other factors could have contributed to neophyte Jonathan Concordia's stroke, which occurred days after Concordia was initiated into the fraternity.

While Tau Gamma Phi Spokesperson Nestor Reyes Jr. confirmed that Concordia, an 18-year old student at the Laguna State Polytechnic University, was "hazed" on September, all neophytes were required to have a medical checkup before an initiation.

"Nakapasa na, tapos na siya [sa initiation], nakalipas na ang ilang mga araw. Tapos parang nagkaroon siya ng strenuous activity, parang nag-gym," Reyes said in a report on GMA's "24 Oras Weekend" on Sunday.

"Kung ano man ay kinadulot, eh di siyempre dadalhin ka sa hospital, makikita mo may mga pasa, eh di ito'y gawa ng hazing kaya ito'y nag-collapse," he added.

Concordia was taken to hospital on Monday, September 23, after he lost consciousness while he was at the university gym. Medical staff said the student had suffered a stroke and had hemorrhaged internally.

The Concordia family were determined to file charges against fraternity members of involved in Jonathan's hazing.

"Regardless kasi kung kusang loob siya na sumali or pinilit or gustong-gusto niya, ang pinag-uusapan doon, 'yung ginawa nila sa bata na halos pinatay na," said Sarah Concordia-Castillo, Jonathan's aunt.

"Buti nadala lang talaga namin (sa hospital) at nakaaksyon kami," she added.

The San Pablo City Police had identified the fraternity members involved in the hazing, all of whom would face charges for the incident. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News