By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
A Grade 10 student succumbed to injuries he sustained following a fraternity hazing rites in Negros Occidental’s San Enrique town.
The 18-year-old lad, whose name was being withheld by the San Enrique police, was a resident of the town’s Barangay Guintorilan and a student of the Doña Hortencia Salas Benedicto National High School in La Carlota City.
Based on information released by the San Enrique Municipal Police Station, the victim’s parents went to their station last September 9, at around 11:30 a.m., reporting that their son had been a victim of hazing.
According to the mother, her son was repeatedly hit with a paddle by three fraternity members.
She also noticed that her son had been limping for several days and by September 8, he started feeling unwell.
The victim died at 6:00 a.m. on September 9 while being treated at a hospital.
Investigators immediately looked into the incident and a post-mortem examination was performed on his remains.
Based on an autopsy report made by municipal health officer, Dr. Fritzi Juanillo, the victim suffered hematoma on both of his lower buttocks.
Police, meanwhile, revealed that unknownst to the parents their son was recruited into a fraternity in the town in March of this year.
They further added they already have several persons of interest in the case.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) spokesperson, Police Lt. Abegael Donasco, said they have already talked with the victim’s parents.
She said they are currently looking closely at the details of the incident, pointing out that the incident likely took place around September 3 during the victim’s birthday.
Donasco also said that the hazing incident took place around 10:00 p.m. and they are currently investigating how the suspects executed the incident as it was already curfew hours.
Donasco further added such incidents involving minors or adults will not be tolerated.
Police are now preparing charges involving violation of Republic Act 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Law, against three people who were allegedly involved in paddling the victim./DGB, WDJ