Police: Alleged hazing victim in Cavite died due to severe blunt force trauma

The maritime student who died in an alleged hazing incident in Cavite passed away due to severe blunt force trauma to the lower parts of his body, the provincial police said Wednesday.

Cavite police provincial director Police Colonel Ariel Rebancos Red said probers are looking at the potential links of 21 suspects and persons of interest in the death of 19-year-old freshman student Kenneth Alcedo.

“The cause of death is severe blunt force trauma to the lower extremities,” Red said at a press briefing, citing autopsy results.

Alcedo sustained a hematoma with abrasion on the lip and a tooth fracture. He also suffered abrasions to his abdomen, fingers, knees, and toes, as well as hematoma on his leg.

A square indentation and chili seeds were also observed on his private part.

Alcedo on March 1 was brought to a hospital in General Trias by three individuals who initially claimed he was a victim of a hit-and-run.

The hazing incident allegedly took place in 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 now under police custody.

The suspect in police custody is a graduating student from the same school as the victim, according to the police.

Aside from Kenneth, three more neophytes were subjected to initiation rites. Police have encouraged them and other witnesses to come forward. — VDV, GMA Integrated News