Four members of a fraternity surrendered to the police in relation to the death of a student recruit during an initiation rite in Cavite, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. 

Remulla said the surrender is part of the commitment of the leadership of the Tau Gamma Phi to assist in accounting for all its members involved in the death of 19-year old Mark Kenneth Alcedo. 

“They surrendered yesterday (Sunday).  That’s the promise of the national leadership of Tau Gamma, that they will surrender them,” said Remulla.

He said a total of 17 fratmen were identified to be involved in the initiation rite that led to the death of Alcedo.

Alcedo was taken to the hospital and was first reported to be a victim of motor vehicle crash. Medical personnel later noticed contusions and other injuries in the body that suggested that he was a hazing victim.

All the suspects are facing violation of the Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law.

In a meeting with Remulla, the Tau Gamma leadership committed to assist in surrendering all those involved. 

“They promised to help so I gave them three days. It’s Day Two today (Monday) so let’s see if they would be able to surrender them all tomorrow,” said Remulla.

While he appreciates the cooperation of the fraternity, Remulla said the organization must show sincerity by making sure that all those involved face the consequences of their action, especially that it resulted in the death of an individual.

“We will not allow installment-like surrender. They should not wait for the time that the entire forces of the law will run after them,” said Remulla.

He also warned the relatives and friends of the 13 fratmen who remain at large, saying they too could be held liable for obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive.

Remulla earlier called on the Tau Gamma and other fraternities to change what he described as culture of violence in fraternity groups in the recruitment and in welcoming new members.