CHED condemns hazing incident in Kidapawan City, 19 students injured
Commission forms fact-finding team to probe Central Mindanao Colleges reception rites
CHED condemned a hazing incident at Central Mindanao Colleges in Kidapawan City that injured 19 students and launched a fact-finding investigation. (CHED / file)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Friday, August 29, strongly condemned the hazing incident involving criminology students of Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC) in Kidapawan City, Cotabato.
The violent initiation during the reception rites on August 23 left 19 students injured, raising fresh concerns about hazing practices in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
“Hazing and all forms of violence have no place in our institutions of higher learning,” CHED said in a statement.
To address the incident, CHED said its Regional Office XII deployed a fact-finding team to conduct an on-site investigation at CMC.
CHED said the team was tasked with validating the circumstances of the incident, reviewing institutional policies on student activities and organizations, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and submitting findings and recommendations to CHED’s Executive Director.
Meanwhile, CHED warned that if violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, are established, the Commission will impose appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law and its implementing rules.
The Commission also reminded all higher education institutions of their duty to strictly enforce anti-hazing measures, strengthen student protection protocols, and foster a safe and inclusive learning environment.
“The CHED reaffirms its steadfast commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of Filipino students and to guarantee that higher education institutions are spaces for growth, safety, and dignity,” the statement read.
The incident in Kidapawan comes as hazing-related cases continue to spark public outcry across the Philippines despite the strengthened Anti-Hazing Law, which bans all forms of initiation rites that involve physical or psychological harm.
“The CHED reminds all higher education institutions of their duty to enforce anti-hazing measures, strengthen student protection protocols, and cultivate safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments,” the Commission added.