A fraternity at the University of the Philippines (UP Visayas) has expelled 12 of its members over a lewd group chat that was publicly leaked.
“The investigatory committee and resident members stand with their previous statement denouncing misogyny, homophobia, and sexual violence,” said UPV Scintilla Jvris in a statement released on Thursday, July 16.
Expelled were Emmanuel James Celis, Kneron Mark Dulay, Darrel Israel, John Adrian Mandario, Ivan Dolf Nena, Nigel Patricio, Danniel San Antonio, Robert Cenmael Solas, Joshua Karl Toribio, Enrico Rafael Valencia, Robert John Vidal, and Luigi Zerrudo.
In the private group chat leaked on Twitter, the 12 men demeaned women including their former girlfriends by sharing their nude photos and videos. They also shamed members of their counterpart sorority as well as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
The indecent conversation among the fraternity members triggered a public outcry. The UP Visayas administration has called on the victims of sexual harassment to report to authorities.
“The acts of the persons involved were done consciously, knowingly, and freely. It was made without due regard, not only to their status as students and alumni of the University of the Philippines, but also as members of Scintilla Jvris,” the fraternity said.
“In the process, they blatantly violated the principles. They were not operating under the instruction of the Fraternity and thus, do not reflect the principles of the organization as a whole,” the fraternity added.