A deadly problem calling for systemic change

Over three decades ago, as I approached my high school graduation, my choice of course and university campus for college became a major point of contention with my parents.

I had selected in my UPCAT application Business Economics at UP Diliman, the best campus that offered my desired course, which was highly competitive as it had limited slots available. Although I was qualified for the course, my parents discouraged me from studying in the nation's capital, fearing that I might be enticed to join a fraternity and become a victim of hazing.

Initially, this disagreement caused tension in our relationship. However, as time passed, I came to understand their perspective. I am grateful for my parents' concern, even if it caused friction at that time. In the end, they were only looking out for my well-being. Eventually, I chose a course in Cebu, and I have no regrets. I had to play the hand I was dealt and make the best of it.

Hazing has been a persistent problem spanning across generations, and my parents might have seen first-hand during their time as students the terrible consequences that could result from it. According to a Rappler report, Gonzalo Mariano Albert of the University of the Philippines Diliman was the first recorded hazing-related death in the Philippines in 1954. While Albert died during an appendix operation, investigators discovered that the beating he received prior to the procedure had weakened him physically.

In the early 1990s, a student at the University of the Philippines Baguio was killed by his fraternity brothers during initiation rites for the Scintilla Juris fraternity. ABS-CBN News reported in September 2017 that since 1954, there have been 58 hazing victims in the Philippines. By victims we mean individuals who died directly or indirectly from the violent rites. Of these cases, 21 occurred in private schools and institutions, 19 in state universities, colleges, and high schools, and 15 in military or maritime training institutions.

Recently, there have been reports of yet another tragic loss of life due to hazing. Ronnel Baguio, a Marine Engineering student at the University of Cebu, died in December 2022 after reportedly participating in hazing rituals for the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity. Following her son's death, Leny Baguio has requested assistance from the Public Attorney's Office to hasten an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her son's passing.

This tragic news comes just days after the death of John Matthew Salilig, who died after joining the initiation rites of the same fraternity. Salilig's body was found buried in a shallow grave in a vacant lot in Imus City, Cavite, on February 28. The perpetrators' act of burying the body secretly reveals their inclination to evade accountability for their crimes. Criminal charges for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law have been filed against six suspects, including the fraternity's leader.

The deaths of Ronnel and John Matthew are a painful reminder that hazing remains a persistent and deadly problem in the Philippines. Despite the passage of the Anti-Hazing Act in 2018, the practice has continued to claim lives. Hazing is no doubt a violent and often traumatic experience for many young people who, according to studies, are vulnerable and impressionable, and are seeking to find a sense of belonging within a group.

In a 1999 article published in the Journal of College Student Development, author Stephen Sweet delves into the persistent issue of hazing on college campuses. To better understand this phenomenon, Sweet used informal unstructured interviews with 20 current and former fraternities and sororities, his own involvement in the SUNY Potsdam Greek Life Task Force, and existing research on fraternity culture.

Through a symbolic interactionist perspective, Sweet concludes that fraternities view hazing as an essential component of their initiation rites, “perpetuated by the manipulation of symbols, social relations, and definitions of situations that shape the pledge's identity.” As a result, pledges often comply with activities they may otherwise reject.

Sweet's research underscores the importance of understanding the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to hazing and the need for systemic change in fraternity culture.

We owe it Ronnel and John Matthew to create a safer and more compassionate society, one where young people like them can pursue their dreams and aspirations without having to resort to “manipulation of symbols, social relations, and definitions of situations” that shape their identity.

Society must recognize and address the social and psychological factors behind hazing to prevent its occurrence.