10 frat members involved in death of neophyte in Kalayaan hazing rites arrested in Laguna
KAMPO HENERAL PACIANO RIZAL, Sta. Cruz, Laguna -- Ten fraternity members allegedly involved in hazing rites that resulted in the death of a neophyte were arrested by police in three successive manhunt operations in Kalayaan town, Laguna Police Provincial Office (LPPO) reported on Saturday, June 4.
LPPO provincial director Colonel Cecilio Ison Jr. identified the suspects as Leo Sandro Duco, 20; Paulo Lacaocao, 23; Kevin Perez, 23; Jerwin Caraig, 25; Osama Sotomayor, 20, who were arrested on two separate chase operations.
Arrested in Barangay San Juan in Kalayaan town were Johndel Ponce, 26, telecoms site engineer; Art Jay Nadal, 19; Wilson Maestrado, 31; Kris Jairo Cabiscuelas, 25; and Kirby Galero, 23. All are residents of Barangay San Juan in Kalayaan town.
The arrest was conducted based on a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 28 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (R.A. 11053).
Ison added that other fraternity members identified were Simeon Rabin Mercado Jr, chairman; Richard Dimaranan Jr, vice-chairman – internal, and Vernon Rabutazo (master wielder of the whip –external). They are all officers of Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity – Kalayaan Council who were already charged in violation of the anti-hazing act on May 4, 2022.
The said fraternity members and officers were allegedly involved in a hazing incident conducted on March 20, 2022, at twin falls at Barangay San Juan, Kalayaan town where the victim Reymarc Rabutazo, 18, underwent initiation rites but died due to severe physical injuries.
Rabutazo was a senior high school student and a resident of Purok 1C, Barangay Longos in Kalayaan town.