The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said on Wednesday, Oct. 18, that it is ready to file charges against four fraternity members involved in the hazing death of Ahldryn Leary Bravante, a criminology student, in Quezon City on Monday, Oct. 16
The QCPD said the suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act (RA) 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law as amended by RA 11053 (Anti-Hazing Act of 2018) and Robbery under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code.
Police identified the suspects as Justine Artates, 25; Lexer Manarpies, 20; Mark Leo Andales, 20, all students of Philippine College of Criminology in Manila; and Kyle Cordeta, 21.
It said that Bravante, 25, a 4th year criminology student from PCCR, was rushed to the Chinese General Hospital by two other men after he fell unconscious and had sustained physical injuries. He was declared dead on arrival.
Members of the Manila Police District immediately went to the hospital after receiving a report about the victim and arrested the two frat men, Artes and Cordeta, who brought him there.
During investigation, the two men revealed that they were members of the Tau Gama Phi Fraternity - PCCR Chapter and the victim was a "neophyte" of the brotherhood who underwent initiation rites.
The two suspects were placed under police custody and were brought to the QCPD for investigation.
Police said the hazing happened at around 2 p.m. on Monday beside an abandoned building of condominium along Calamba Street, Barangay Sto Domingo, Quezon City.
Bravante was rushed to the hospital when he experienced difficulty in breathing and fell uncomcsious after the initiation rites.
The QCPD said that a cursory examination showed that Bravante sustained hematoma on both legs and burned cigarette marks on his chest and both hands.
Meanwhile, Andales and Marpies surrendered to the QCPD on Tuesday, Oct. 17.
The city police said that robbery charges will also be filed against the suspects as personal belongings of the victim were reported missing after the incident.
QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan had earlier condoled with the family of the victim.
He also said they have identified and are locating 12 other suspects involved in the initiation rites that led to Bravante's demise.
He added that a thorough investigation is being conducted by the police to identify the other persons involved in the incident.
The PCCR suspended afternoon classes on Tuesday and held a program in memory of Bravante.
The PCCR mourned his death and said it will never tolerate hazing or any organization that promotes the illegal and violent act.