20 probed for hazing death of criminology student

MANILA, Philippines — Around 20 people are being investigated in connection with the death allegedly due to hazing of a 23-year-old criminology student in Bulan, Sorsogon on Sunday.

Maj. Joel Triñanes, Bulan police chief, said the 20 are considered persons of interest in the death of Omer Despabiladera of Solis Institute of Technology.

Another student whom Triñanes did not identify is recuperating in a hospital.

“We are trying to get information from the student, but he refused to talk,” he said.

Despabiladera reportedly died from injuries he suffered in initiation rites by members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.

Triñanes said they have yet to identify those who participated in the incident.

Ulysis Berania and Rembrandt Gerolao, who brought the victim to the Pantaleon Gotladera Memorial Hospital, are under police custody.

The alleged hazing reportedly occurred in Barangay Zone 6 from 10 a.m.

Despabiladera was brought to the hospital when he collapsed at around 4 p. m.

Doctors said Despabiladera died from blunt trauma on his legs, back and other parts of the body.

Last year, Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio died due to hazing at the Philippine Military Academy.

Former PMA chief Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista and former commandant of cadets Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, several other PMA officials and cadets were charged in connection with the incident.

Cadet 4th Class John Desiderio of the Philippine National Police Academy was hospitalized due to alleged hazing by his upperclassmen in November.