A STUDENT at the University of Mindanao (UM) in Davao City has died due to hazing, police reported yesterday.
Eight of the hazing suspects were arrested and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, the Davao regional police office said.
The fatality was identified as August Ceazar Saplot, 19, a UM criminology student and a “pledgee” of the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity-Alpha Delta Chapter.
Saplot’s body was recovered by the police last Sunday in Purok Santo Nino, Sison Village, Upper Mandug, Buhangin District in Davao City based on information provided by a concerned citizen.
Police did not provide details of the hazing.
The suspects, all fourth-year students of the same school, were identified as Jeremiah Obedencia Moya, Leji Wensdy Ofecio Quibuyen, John Lloyd Garciano Sumagang, Harold Joshua Sagaral Flauta, John Steven Baltazar Silvosa, Ramel John Potenciano Gamo, Gilbert Escodero Asoy Jr., and Roseller Andres Gaentano.
Police said six other suspects are at-large, identified as Ryan James Ranolo, Harold Gocotano, John Bacacao, Cherie Norico, Kadjo Matobato and George Regalado.
“PRO (Police Regional Office) 11 appreciates the report from the concerned citizen that resulted in the immediate apprehension of the suspects,” the Davao regional police office said in a statement.
“Indeed, if the community and the police work together, we can maintain a peaceful and safe community in Davao region,” it added.
A statement from the UM’s Office of the President said another student was seriously injured in the same hazing incident.
It said the incident occurred last Sunday outside the campus — in the far-flung Barangay Upper Mandug.
“In the light of the ongoing investigations, UM strongly condemns the senseless and deplorable incident in the highest possible consternation and dismay, as the university is also offering its unqualified grief to the victims’ families,” it said.
UM said fraternities have been banned at the university since the enactment of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. It said Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity-Alpha Delta Chapter “is not a recognized organization” in the university.
