10 fratmen in Laguna student’s death fall

LAGUNA, Philippines —Ten members of the Tau Gamma fraternity tagged in the death of an 18-year-old student due to alleged hazing in Kalayaan, Laguna last March were arrested in police operations on Thursday.

Col. Cecilio Ison Jr., Laguna police director, identified those apprehended as Leo Sandro Duco, 20; Paulo Lacaocao, 23; Kevin Perez, 23; construction worker Jerwin Caraig, 25; Osama Sotomayor, 20; Johndel Ponce, 26; Art Jay Nadal, 19; Wilson Maestrado, 31; Kris Jairo Cabiscuelas, 25, and Kirby Galero.

Ison said the arrests were based on warrants for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act issued by the Sta. Cruz Regional Trial Court Branch 28.

The victim, Reymarc Rabutazo, reportedly drowned in a river and suffered severe body trauma believed caused by the blows he received during hazing rites.

Members of the Tau Gamma fraternity reportedly initiated the hazing on a hilly portion of the Twin Falls in Barangay San Juan.

On May 4, Simeon Rabin Mercado Jr., Richard Dimaranan Jr. and Vernon Rabutazo, all officers of the Tau Gamma fraternity, were charged in connection with the incident.

“This is proof of the government’s enforcement of the law with full force and vigor against hazing. Let us not forget that fraternal contract should not be signed in blood, celebrated with pain, marred by injuries and perpetrated through suffering. Otherwise, the law shall pursue you,” Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra, Calabarzon police director, said. – Emmanuel Tupas