Senator Win Gatchalian underscored the imperative role of schools in safeguarding students from the perils of hazing, emphasizing the legal obligation for educational institutions to take proactive measures. This comes in the wake of the death of 25-year-old Aldrin Bravente, a student from the Philippine College of Criminology, who was allegedly killed in a hazing incident.
Gatchalian said under the anti-hazing law, schools are mandated not only to protect their students but also to launch informational campaigns at the start of every semester or trimester to students and parents or guardians on the consequences of hazing.
“Taos-puso akong nakikiramay sa pamilya ni Aldrin Bravente. Kaisa ako ng pamilya sa paghahangad ng hustisya at nananawagan ako sa mga alagad ng batas na tiyaking mahuhuli ang mga sangkot sa pagkamatay ni Aldrin,” said Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11053).
Police reports said Bravente underwent fraternity initiation rites in an abandoned Quezon City condominium. He died of Hematoma at the Chinese General Hospital, where he was taken after the initiation rites. Four suspects are now under the custody of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
Gatchalian said that the anti-hazing law prohibits all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens’ army training.
The law imposes the penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3 million upon those who actually planned or participated in hazing that result in death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation.
