EDITORIAL - Don’t let them get away

Some of those implicated have turned themselves in, naming members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity allegedly involved in the hazing that led to the death of neophyte Guillo Servando. From 15 to 20 individuals are wanted by the National Bureau of Investigation, which is handling the probe.

With suspects identified and their photos obtained, authorities should intensify efforts to prevent anyone from evading the law. Immigration officials have reportedly confirmed that four of the fraternity members identified to the NBI have left the country. Even before a case is filed in court, the state has the power to keep track of the whereabouts of persons under investigation for a felony.

The Department of Justice, which has jurisdiction over the NBI, can seek the cancellation of the passports of the four who have left. Probers should also look into the culpability of anyone who hides the wanted fraternity members or assists them in evading justice. This should include officials of the Tau Gamma Phi who claimed not to know about the hazing in which their highest ranking member allegedly participated.

Fraternities get away with hazing, even when it kills. It’s the biggest reason why the orgy of violence persists. The Anti-Hazing Law holds culpable not only the direct participants but also school officials, fraternity alumni, and even parents who allow violent initiation rites to take place in their homes. Yet justice evades hazing victims and their loved ones as the typical prosecution crawls along for 10 to 20 years. Justice for hazing victims is most elusive when law fraternities are involved and fraternity alumni influence the trial.

Those who lose loved ones to hazing become victims twice over when they see the ones responsible get away with a heinous crime. The case of Guillo Servando should serve as a watershed in ensuring that monsters will not get away with brutal murder in the name of brotherhood.