DILG chief Remulla to talk to Tau Gamma Phi over alleged hazing in Cavite

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said he would coordinate with the leadership of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity following an alleged hazing incident in Cavite that left a 19-year old college freshman dead.

“We have to talk to the leadership of Tau Gamma Phi about this para matigil na…Senior leadership. Meron silang party-list di ba. So, I'm going to talk to [TGP Partylist Representative Bong Joson Teves Jr.],” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

(We have to talk to the leadership of Tau Gamma Phi about this so it can stop...Senior leadership. They have a party-list, right? So, I'm going to talk to TGP Partylist Representative Bong Joson Teves Jr.).

At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Remulla confirmed that the fraternity was involved in the fatal incident.

According to the DILG chief, the alleged master initiator initially surrendered but later withdrew their voluntary statement upon advice of their counsel.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police is conducting a probe and charges will be filed soon, according to Remulla.

On March 1, 19-year-old freshman maritime student Kenneth Alcedo was brought to a hospital in General Trias by three individuals who initially claimed he was a victim of a hit-and-run. Medical staff told police the unconscious victim was already dead upon arrival.

The hazing incident allegedly took place at an open field area in Barangay Langkaan, Dasmariñas near several subdivisions, according to the police.

Of the 21 personalities linked to Alcedo's death, nine with direct participation are considered suspects, while the others are being treated as persons of interest.

One suspect, the driver of the vehicle that brought the victim to the hospital, surrendered to authorities and is in police custody. 

The suspect is a graduating student from the same school as the victim, according to police. —RF, GMA Integrated News