University vows sanctions vs. students behind fatal Davao City frat hazing

A University of Mindanao (UM) official on Wednesday said the suspects in the death of the 19-year-old criminology student due to alleged hazing in Davao City may face expulsion or exclusion.

UM Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Ronnie Amorado described what happened to victim August Ceazar Saplot was “senseless and deplorable,” thus they will ensure that the suspects, who are all UM students, will face proper sanctions.

Saplot was found dead with bruises on the back of his thigh after his alleged hazing by a fraternity. Police said the bruises were from being beaten with a hard object.

“Awaiting the results of the police investigation, I think almost finished na rin ‘yan, we are looking at either expulsion or exclusion based on our procedures and based on the MORPHE (Manual of Regulations for Private Higher Education),” Amorado said in GMA News’ Unang Balita.

“They bring disrepute to the university, they will be meted with the proper sanctions for that,” he said of the suspects.

The Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, as amended under Republic Act No. 11053, prohibits hazing and defines it as a criminal act.

Amorado said seven suspects are now detained in a police station, while about six others are still at large. They were members of the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity Alpha Delta Chapter.

He pointed out that the suspects did the hazing in a far-flung barangay outside of university premises as hazing and fraternities were banned in the campus.

“Totoo ‘yun, ang kinamatay ay hazing [the cause of death was hazing]. It’s senseless, deplorable. We are all shocked. For a very long time, hazing and fraternities were banned already from the university,” Amorado said.

Amorado said the university is extending assistance to Saplot’s family.

CHR probe

In a statement on Wednesday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said its Region XI has initiated an independent investigation on the incident and urged local authorities to conduct the same.

"We note the said university's prohibition of fraternities and similar groups in line with the Anti-Hazing Law of 2018 and its support in ensuring accountability of perpetrators," said CHR Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia.

"Local authorities are urged to conduct an immediate probe in the pursuit of justice for the victims and to deter similar crimes against students," she added.

The CHR said it "vehemently condemns" the alleged hazing incident.  —KBK, GMA News