UP fratman linked to hazing kills self
The University of the PhilippinesDiliman has confirmed that one of the UP students named in a fraternity’s online conversations about hazing that went viral on social media has died.
The student, who was tagged in the hazing of several Sigma Rho neophytes, reportedly committed suicide.
The UP Office of the Chancellor appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the student’s family.
“Sensationalism is itself a form of violent assault and is not the solution to the fraternity culture of violence,” the office said in a statement.
The office said that it has already initiative administrative action immediately after the expose “towards the pursuit of justice for hazing victims.”
It placed suspects on preventive suspension and vowed to file formal charges “where there is evidence to support such a move.” It said that it will keep the public updated on the investigation of allegations of hazing.
Screenshots of Sigma Rho’s online chats among members of the fraternity on hazing surfaced on Twitter last week, with the shared image of a person covered in bruises garnering the most attention.
Meanwhile, police have obtained the names of the fraternity members allegedly involved in the hazing of a criminology student in San Pablo City, Laguna.
San Pablo police chief Lt. Col. Eliseo Bernales said they have obtained a list of the members of the fraternity which the victim, 18-year old Jonathan Concordia of the Laguna State Polytechnic University, wanted to join.
“We are withholding it for now because it may preempt our ongoing investigation," he said in Filipino in an interview over radio station dzBB.
Bernales also refused to give the fraternity’s name and the number of members on their list when sought by The STAR, adding they have yet to furnish the victim with the complete names and photographs of the possible suspects.
“We will show some pictures and if he remembers any of them, we will definitely include them in the case,” he said in a phone interview.
Concordia was rushed to the Chinese General Hospital after collapsing at a gym on Tuesday. Bernales said they only learned of the incident the following day.
The victim recounted to probers that there were supposed to be three of them who would undergo hazing rites but the other two backed out at the last minute. It was apparent that Concordia bore the brunt of all the physical punishment from the frat members.
The victim bore bruises and blood clots on his lower extremities, as well as burn injuries on the back which was caused by a lit candle. Bernales said school officials are cooperating in the ongoing probe.