Police link Tau Gamma to Quezon hazing death

Police investigators have linked the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity to the death of a former university student from Quezon province due to alleged initiation rites.

A “Balitanghali” report on Monday said the family of victim Ariel Inopre is determined to file charges against the fraternity members implicated in his death within the week.

Inopre was rushed to a hospital in Naga City after undergoing initiation rites allegedly for the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Tagkawayan town in Quezon last Oct. 19. He died at the hospital Sunday, Nov. 2, due to an infection and from kidney failure.

Investigation showed the victim kept the initiation secret from his parents, who only sensed something was wrong when they saw him having difficulty walking.

The Tagkawayan chapter of Tau Gamma Phi is set to issue a statement on the issue within the day, the “Balitanghali” report said.

The fraternity was previously implicated in the death of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde student Guillo Cesar Servando last June. Two of the 20 individuals charged in connection with the incident were members of Tau Gamma Phi.

GMA News stringer Peewee Bacuno said in the television report that Inopre used to be a student of Southern Luzon State University. He did not enroll for the second semester.

Bacuno quoted SLSU president Dr. Cecilia Gascon as saying that the school is not responsible for Inopre's alleged hazing because fraternities are not recognized in the school.

Under SLSU's rules, involvement in hazing activities is punishable by suspension or dismissal.

In a statement, the National Union of students of the Philippines (NUSP) condemned the alleged hazing of Inopre and demanded justice for his death.

The group maintained that the “culture of violence and hazing” in organizations must end. Instead, fraternities and sororities must “uphold the genuine call of camaraderie, unity and service to the students, youth and the people.”

The NUSP also said all stakeholders must exercise vigilance to end hazing.

“Justice and the end of the culture of violence and impunity are long overdue,” it said. —Xianne Arcangel/KBK, GMA News