More than 50 youths gathering for suspected hazing rounded up in San Mateo, Rizal

Barangay officials rounded up some 50 youths, including two girls, after catching them on camera converging in an alley in the dead of night in Barangay Sta. Ana, San Mateo, Rizal.

According to an exclusive report by Cesar Apolinario on Balitanghali, only six in the group were from Sta. Ana. Others were from nearby barangays or hailed from as far as Rodriguez, Rizal and Marikina City.

“Ang hinala namin dyan, yung hazing sa fraternity,” said village Chairman Butchoy Cruz. His suspicions grew worse when the youths were seen on camera carrying skirts as they scampered away from the appointed meeting place.

One group of teens ran into a compound to escape a barangay mobile coming for them, only to be met by another official vehicle.

Around 30 members of the group managed to escape, while 25 were caught by barangay officials, who then contacted the youths’ parents to take them home.

The officials advised the youths’ parents, who all declined to comment, to watch over their children more carefully. — Nicole-Anne Lagrimas/BM, GMA News