MANILA, Philippines — The leadership of Tau Gamma Phi fraternity denounced the fatal hazing by suspected members of its Benilde-based chapter and said that it has prohibited hazing in its ranks.
"The Tau Gamma Phi is deeply troubled by news reports that some members of the fraternity have been involved in the fatal hazing of Guillo Cesar Servando, a student of La Salle-College of Saint Benilde," the fraternity said in a statement issued Tuesday.
The group also expressed regret that "some of its chapters may not have abided by the fraternity's 'no hazing' policy."
The statement, entitled "Stop Senseless Violence Against Man," claimed that the fraternity "does not and will not condone" violence and is conducting its own internal investigation on the matter.
"[We] will actively and fully cooperate with the investigating authorities to bring those involved to justice," the group vowed.
The fraternity was founded on principles that do not support the infliction of harm to another man except in self-defense.
"For whatever reason man has come into being, to whatever purpose he exist, kin to all living creatures around him. MAN IS BROTHER UNTO MAN," the statement reads, citing the fraternity's "tenet."
It also cited the country's Anti-Hazing Law, provisions of which have been present in the fraternity's by laws, the organization said.
One of the fifteen Tau Gamma Phi suspects believed to be behind the assault on Servando and three others who were injured surrendered to authorities on Tuesday.
Read: Tau Gamma Phi hazing suspect surrenders
The organization also offered condolences to the families of the victims and said they are "truly saddened" by Servando's death. - reports from Aie Balagtas See