DAVAO CITY – Authorities are investigating the alleged hazing of at least 100 criminology students during reception rites in a private college in Kidapawan City in Cotabato province on Aug. 23.

In a statement, Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) chief Police Col. Gilberto Tuzon said that they are now gathering testimonies from the criminology students who were allegedly hurt during the event as part of a tradition before they begin their internship.

Reports showed that these students from Central Mindanao Colleges were subjected to various rigorous activities in Barangay Kalaisan.

Nineteen students suffered skin burns from suspected chemicals that were allegedly sprayed on to their bodies, according to a report from Kidapawan City Police Office.

Police said that the mixture was reportedly a combination of battery solution, vinegar, and chili pepper.

"As the provincial director of Cotabato Police Provincial Office, I take with utmost seriousness the recent incident involving the alleged hazing during the reception rites of criminology interns from Central Mindanao Colleges in Kidapawan City,” Tuzon said.

He added that the CPPO is closely coordinating with the victims, their families, and school officials to ensure a fair, impartial, and transparent inquiry. “We are also working to identify all individuals involved, especially those who may have acted beyond the bounds of law and reason. “

Photos of students who suffered burns went viral in social media over the weekend.

Police are also looking at the lapses on the part of the school administration and other senior students in the incident.

CMC College of Criminal Justice Education Dean Rolando Poblador said that he conducted an inspection prior to the activity.

Poblador said that he was unaware that senior students were hiding harmful chemicals.

The school official added that he immediately ordered the students to stop the activity upon learning that some were injured and asked them to undergo medical examination.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri condemned the incident, saying that it is not brotherhood nor discipline.

“This is just pure cruelty. Walang dangal sa pananakit ng kapwa, at walang puwang ang ganitong klaseng karahasan sa ating mga paaralan. Those responsible must face the full force of the law (There is no honor in hurting people and this kind of violence have no plane in schools),” Zubiri said.

Under the Anti-Hazing Law, he added, the gravity of the injuries inflicted may subject these perpetrators to reclusion perpetua (life in prison) and a fine of up to P3 million. “Kung ganito kabigat ang parusa, dapat maramdaman ito ng mga gumawa ng krimen (Perpetrators should feel the weight of the penalties).”