More hazing injuries in Ateneo bared

MANILA, Philippines - At least three other neophyte members of the Ateneo-based Fraternal Order of Utopia have ended up in hospital due to hazing-related injuries since 2008. Sources yesterday said this was aside from the 22-year-old-law student confined this week at the Medical City for the same reason.

Ateneo de Manila authorities have reportedly not punished any one of those responsible for the hazing injuries.

Sources said that in 2008, a law student and Utopia neophyte identified only as “Adalem” was sent to St. Luke’s Medical Center due to hazing injuries.

In 2009, a member of Utopia figured in a shooting incident with a fellow law student.

In 2010, another law student and neophyte member of Utopia was rushed to Medical City for injuries sustained in initiation rites.

Last Wednesday, a 22-year-old Ateneo Law freshman was taken to Medical City for injuries sustained during initiation rites in Antipolo. He was still in the hospital as of Thursday.

He was said to have admitted to medical personnel the cause of his injuries. The STAR tried but failed to reach him through his mobile phone.

Utopia counts among its members top government officials and businessmen and even officials of the Ateneo Law School. Sources said this has made Utopia members virtual “untouchables” on campus.

Chief Justice Renato Corona, SC Justices Roberto Abad and Arturo Brion, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and son Mikey Arroyo are among the prominent members of Utopia.

Cesar Villanueva, Ateneo Law dean until his appointment as chairman of the governing commission for government-owned and control corporations, is a Utopian. He is also chairman of the board of Clark Development Corp.

Sedfrey Candelaria, currently acting dean and formerly the associate dean for admission and student affairs, is also a member of the fraternity.

Utopia is one of two Ateneo Law School-based fraternities. The other is Aquila Legis which earned notoriety 20 years ago when neophyte member Lenny Villa died from hazing injuries.