The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has stepped into a hazing incident allegedly perpetrated by the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity that resulted in the death of a graduating student from the University of Mindanao in Davao City, and severe injury to another student last Sept. 18.
CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said CHR Region XI has already launched an independent investigation, condemning the violation on the right to safety and security of the students.
“Violent and cruel initiation rites threaten the well-being and future of our young people who are supposed to be in academic institutions to develop their full potential and build their dreams,” De Guia said.
“We note the said university’s prohibition of fraternities and similar groups in line with the Anti-Hazing Law of 2018 and its support in ensuring accountability of perpetrators. Local authorities are urged to conduct an immediate probe in the pursuit of justice for the victims and to deter similar crimes against students,” she added.
Eight fraternity members were arrested following the death of August Ceazar Saplot, 19, a criminology student who went through the hazing rites on Sunday.
A rescue team reportedly failed to revive the victim at the house of one of the fraternity members.
Another student, Michael Angelo Ligaya, 18, was seriously injured in the hazing incident.
“Considering the persistence of this violent practice involving students, we reiterate our call to the government and security sector to strengthen monitoring and collaboration with schools and universities to fully eliminate hazing,” De Guia said.
It is also incumbent upon schools and higher education institutions to enact mechanisms and proactive measures that will prevent and aid in discovering all forms of violent and cruel initiation rites of students within campus premises as well as beyond its confines,” De Guia said.
