Gatchalian decries death of senior high school student due to hazing in Zamboanga City

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday denounced the fraternity initiation rites that claimed the life of a 21-year-old senior high school student in Zamboanga City.

"It is even more appalling that this cruel and barbaric act should take place in the middle of a pandemic. I denounce in the strongest terms this heinous act that prematurely ended the dreams of a young man and his family," Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on basic education, said in a statement.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the victim, Joselito Envidiado, succumbed to injuries he suffered after being hazed by members of the Tau Gamma Phi Triskelion-San Jose Gusu Chapter fraternity

Twelve individuals who allegedly participated in the brutal initiation rites were arrested by the police.

"The filing of charges against these fratmen for violation of Republic Act No.11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 should be a stern warning," Gatchalian said.

"Because the hazing incident resulted in someone’s death, the penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of three million pesos are now hanging on the heads of these fraternity members," he added.

The Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 was signed into law after the death of Aegis Juris Fraternity neophyte Horacio Castillo III in 2017.

It banned all forms of hazing as a requirement for admission into membership of a fraternity, sorority or organization in schools and uniformed service learning institutions such as the Philippine Military Academy and Philippine National Police Academy.

Paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage, drug and other substance as well as any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which would likely adverse the physical and psychological health are all considered acts of hazing under this law. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News