Senator Win Gatchalian has condemned the latest incident of alleged hazing activity by a fraternity in the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman.
Gatchalian called on the university’s authorities to ensure that the full force of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11053) will fall on students who will be proven to have been involved in the incident. The senator also called on the university to strengthen its crackdown on hazing incidents, put an end to their persistence, and guarantee safe spaces for all students.
On July 3, a series of tweets by the now-suspended Twitter account @UPSILONLEAKS showed graphic videos and images of the alleged hazing incident. While this account was suspended for violating community standards, a new Twitter account posted photos and videos of the alleged incident. This account also denounced what it called a pattern of covering up fraternity-linked violence in the university.
While no UP student has been implicated in the videos and photos, UP Diliman Chancellor Dr. Fidel Nemenzo said the University’s units will work with student organizations to verify information.
“Walang lugar ang ganitong uri ng karahasan sa ating mga pamantasan. Kailangan nating panagutin ang sinumang mapapatunayang may kinalaman sa insidenteng ito at ipakita sa kanilang hindi nila matatakasan ang batas,” said Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
Under the law, all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens army training are prohibited. This prohibition also applies to fraternities, sororities, and organizations that are not school-based, including community-based and other similar organizations.
The law also mandates all schools to take more proactive steps to protect students from the dangers of participating in hazing activities.
The penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3 million shall be imposed upon those who plan or participate in hazing activities that result in death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation.
