CHR probes hazing incident of minor by fraternity members in QC

The Commission on Human Rights on Saturday said it has conducted an investigation into the alleged hazing of a minor by different members of fraternities that led to the victim's hospitalization.

In a statement, the CHR said the hazing was allegedly committed by the fraternity president of Magic 5 together with a member of the Alpha Kappa Rho International Fraternity and the president of the SPB fraternity.

Citing a preliminary investigation by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the CHR said the victim passed out due to "unbearable" pain and physical injuries.

The victim was a reported member of the Scout Royale Brotherhood Nu-Theta Chapter Fraternity but transferred to Magic 5, which insulted his former “brothers.”

Due to fraternity rules, the victim was allegedly taken to San Roque in Barangay Pagasa to be "disciplined" and was then transferred to a shop along Road 10, where his former brothers conducted the hazing.

The CHR in the National Capital Region (NCR) vowed to ensure justice on the latest hazing incident.

"Violent acts, especially those which trample on the dignity of minors, despite the presence of the Anti-Hazing Law and the Anti-Child Abuse Law, should be condemned," the CHR said.

The human rights body lauded the QCPD’s efforts to arrest one of the suspects as it pursued its remaining accomplices.

"We continue to urge all concerned agencies—local governments, security sector, and schools—for concrete mechanisms to prevent hazing as it violates the right to safety and security, and poses long-term physical and psychological harm to the victims. We also enjoin communities to be vigilant and to report any incidence of hazing and abuse in your area," the CHR said. —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News