Fraternity leaders to PAOCC: We are not destructive gangs

Officials of established fraternities scored the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) for labeling their groups as among “most destructive gangs in Metro Manila.”

In a statement, Alpha Phi Omega (APO) national president Magleo Adriano said PAOCC chief Butch Belgica’s statement was “malicious” and “based on ignorance.”

In a report, a copy of which was sent to The STAR, Belgica said the PAOCC is monitoring at least 233 “destructive” fraternities in Metro Manila composed mainly of minors engaged in drug-related crimes.

Belgica said in the third quarter of 2008 alone, these youth gangs committed at least 79 serious crimes, ranging from robbery, snatching, violence against persons or physical injuries to murder, auto theft and payroll heist.

“Reputedly, they require new recruits to commit robbery and physical violence as part of their initiation rites. Youth gangs with international ties are the most bold and daring in committing crimes, taking advantage of the Juvenile Justice Act,” Belgica said.

Adriano said APO was organized in the Philippines in 1950 and has chapters in more than 300 campuses. It has also been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit service organization since 1990, he said.

Ruben Pascual, president of the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association Inc. which was organized in 1946, said Belgica’s report was “defamatory, libelous and an insult to our reputation.”

Pascual said their group had been involved in various endeavors such as environment projects, medical missions, scholastic training and other social service projects all over the country. He named 20 of their members, who are officials of different government agencies.

Ed Villa Jacinto of the Beta Sigma Fraternity in Saudi Arabia said they “extend peace, love and services” to distressed overseas Filipino workers, and their group is a partner of the Philippine embassy in Saudi.

“We are against gangsterism in any form,” he said.   – Cecille Suerte Felipe