PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – A Grade 11 student allegedly died due to hazing in Barangay San Anton, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, on Sunday, September 29, police said.
Police identified the victim as Ren Joseph Bayan, 18.
Investigation said Bayan, a Grade 11 student of the San Pablo National High School and resident of Barangay San Pablo, Jaen, Nueva Ecija, told his aunt that the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity will conduct his final initiation rite in Barangay San Anton on September 29.
But around 5 p.m. the same day, his body was brought to their home in Barangay San Pablo by fraternity members identified as Baron Cabado and Patrick Guinto, who fled after leaving the victim’s body.
The duo are now the subject of a manhunt.
Bayan sustained bruises in the thigh and body.
Jaen police have sought assistance from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Forensic Unit for an autopsy.
Bayan’s school, the San Pablo National High School (SPNHS), grieved over his death.
“The San Pablo National High School community deeply mourns the passing of one of our students, Ren Joseph Bayan of Grade 11-TVL,” SPNHS said in a Facebook post.
“Our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, as well as fervent prayers that he may find peace and rest with the Almighty God.”
The Department of Education has yet to issue a statement on the incident.