Father of hazing victim files raps vs. 14 fratmen

The father of maritime student Mark Kenneth Alcedo has filed criminal charges against 14 members of Tau Gamma Phi over the alleged fatal hazing of his 19-year-old son in Dasmariñas City in Cavite.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” four of the accused surrendered to the General Trias Police on Sunday evening, while one turned himself in to the Dasmariñas Police on Saturday.

Currently, six suspects are in police custody, and they, along with 12 others, face charges for violating the Anti-Hazing Law.

The identities of three suspects remain unknown, with authorities saying the trio reportedly wants to surrender.

“Base sa kwento nila, natatakot na sila sa kaligtasan nila sa labas,” said Police Colonel Resty Soriano, Dasmariñas police chief.

(Based on their story, they are afraid for their safety.)

Mark Kenneth’s father, Elegio Alcedo, urged the fraternity to assist in turning over its members.

“Kung talagang makatao ang fraternity niyo, maging patas kayo. Tulungan niyo yung mga kasama niyo na isuko tapos harapin nila,” he said.

(If your fraternity is truly humane, be fair. Help your members surrender and face the charges filed against them.)

Two neophytes who were with Mark Kenneth during the initiation recounted being paddled and punched by 18 fraternity members, with bruises still visible on their thighs.

“Kitang-kita sa lahat ng parte. Kung sa hita, pwede natin masabi na hazing. Eh lumalabas na marami. Sa baba,” Elegio said.

(It’s obvious that he was hit in several areas. I would only consider it hazing if it were limited to the thighs, but they hit other parts as well.)

Authorities continue to call on all suspects and fraternity leaders to surrender as the investigation unfolds.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA Integrated News