Student dies from hazing

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A senior high school student died during a fraternity hazing in this city on Sunday.

The victim was identified as Joselito Envidiado, 21, of Sarangani Drive, Barangay San Jose Gusu.

Police arrested 12 of 18 officers and members of the Tau Gamma Phi Triskelion-San Jose Gusu Chapter, who were reportedly involved in the initiation rites, according to Maj. Elmer Solon, chief of the city police Station 11.

Envidiado was one of six recruits, who underwent hazing, police said.

Investigation showed the hazing was conducted at around 10 a.m. at the house of one of the arrested fratmember, identified as Fidel Cubol, in Doña Martha Drive, according to Capt. Yashier Sarikin, spokesman for the Zamboanga City police.

Barangay officials said they had no idea that a fraternity hazing was being conducted in their village as the area where it took place was secluded.

Two of the fraternity members, identified as Marcelino Vin?as Jr. and Joseph Villaroses, rushed Envidiado to the Zamboanga City Medical Center, where the victim was declared dead on arrival.

Vin?as was reportedly the master initiator of the rites.

Aside from Cubol and Viñas, among those arrested were Ruben Sebastian, reportedly the head of the fraternity; his deputy Roldan Paler, and members Eryan Alabata, Cleven Atis, John Dale Bulalacad, Azis Camlian and Xavierwyn Sebastian.

Responding police officers recovered a paddle wrapped in a sack at the scene of the incident.

Solon said they would file charges for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against the suspects including the six fratmembers who have yet to be arrested.

A police personnel who knew but failed to report the incident will be investigated, Solon said.