Another neophyte in Cavite 'hazing' names 17 of 20 suspects at large

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Friday another neophyte has named 17 of the 20 suspects at large in the alleged fatal hazing of 19-year-old freshman maritime student Kenneth Alcedo in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

At a press conference, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities expect the concerned fraternity, Tau Gamma Phi, to help them locate the identified suspects.

"I expect full cooperation and, for the full extent of their capacity, na tulungan nila ang Philippine National Police na hanapin yung 20 suspects na kasama dito. We have 17 names. Three remain John Does," he said.

(I expect full cooperation and, for the full extent of their capacity, that they help the Philippine National Police to find the 20 suspects included here. We have 17 names. Three remain John Does.)

"We have at present one of the neophytes who submitted an affidavit of confession. Doon namin nakuha lahat ng pangalan ng involved. They will be charged in court. Their names will be submitted and warrants of arrest will be issued against them," he added.

(We have at present one of the neophytes who submitted an affidavit of confession. There we got all the names of those involved. They will be charged in court. Their names will be submitted and warrants of arrest will be issued against them.)

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

The alleged hazing incident 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, the police initially said 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. The individual is a graduating student from the same school as the victim.

Based on autopsy results, the victim died due to severe blunt force trauma to the lower parts of his body.

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.

According to a 24 Oras report Thursday, a fire hit the site where the alleged initiation rites were held after police left the crime scene. — VDV, GMA Integrated News