The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region XI started its own investigation into the “violent and cruel hazing incident” that reportedly killed a student in Upper Mandug, Buhangin, Davao City last Sept. 18.
A statement issued by the University of Mindanao said that the hazing incident was committed by members of the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity-Alpha Delta Chapter whose members are fourth-year students of the College of Criminal Justice.
CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the CHR "vehemently condemned" their actions, which also severely injured another student. She said the latest incident trampled on the right to safety and security of students.
"Violent and cruel initiation rites threaten the well-being and future of our young people who are supposed to be in academic institutions to develop their full potential and build their dreams," De Guia said.
The University of Mindanao said it has prohibited fraternities and similar groups to conduct hazing in line with the Anti-Hazing Law of 2018, which defines hazing as a criminal act.
The law bans all forms of hazing – be it physical or psychological suffering, harm, or injury -- and expands the law’s implementation to cover not only hazing in fraternities, sororities, or organizations in schools, but also those in communities and even businesses and learning institutions for uniformed service.
De Guia said that while the university has ensured that it will hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions, she pointed out that local authorities should also conduct an immediate probe in the pursuit of justice for the victims and to deter similar crimes against students.
"Considering the persistence of this violent practice involving students, we reiterate our call to the government and security sector to strengthen monitoring and collaboration with schools and universities to fully eliminate hazing," she said.
"It is also incumbent upon schools and higher education institutions to enact mechanisms and proactive measures that will prevent and aid in discovering all forms of violent and cruel initiation rites of students within campus premises as well as beyond its confines," she added.