Frat war erupts near WPD office

They're getting bolder.

Two warring fraternity groups clashed right in front of the Western Police District (WPD) headquarters along United Nations Avenue in Ermita, Manila Monday night which resulted in the wounding of two students.

The casualties, identified as Lawrence Leal, 19, and Juanito Bitangga, 18, both students of Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), sustained shrapnel wounds in the body caused by pillbox explosion. They are confined at the Medical Center of Manila.

Police said Bitangga, a member of the Tau Gamma, was initially mauled by members of the Samahang Ilokano (SI) which triggered a rumble that spilled into the streets. Both fraternities are reportedly feuding for supremacy at the EAC.

Policemen at the WPD headquarters said their attention was first caught by several students chasing another group at around 7:20 p.m. Shortly after a loud explosion followed. The two casualties were then seen slumped on the ground bloodied.

Investigation showed Bitangga, together with Leal and his three classmates, were seen drinking at a restaurant along San Marcelino street.

Witnesses said Bitangga was summoned by an SI member and mauled when he approached the group. Bitangga was able to free himself and ran inside the EAC. He later came out with several Tau Gamma members in tow. A rumble then ensued followed by a chase that ended right in front of the WPD headquarters where the pillbox was lobbed allegedly by SI members.

Police also arrested five students but later released them after verifying they were not involved in the rumble. A toy replica of a caliber .45 pistol was also recovered at the scene of the rumble.

WPD director Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon Jr. has called on the leaders of the warring fraternities for a dialogue.