Commission on Higher Education chair Prospero de Vera III FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (Ched) on Thursday vowed to bolster its efforts to end fraternity-related hazing in universities and colleges following the death of an Adamson University student after undergoing welcoming rites from the hands of Tau Gamma Phi members.
Ched chairman Prospero De Vera III said the commission would strengthen enforcing Republic Act 11053 or the Anti Hazing Law.
“Ched will remain steadfast in its unceasing efforts to rid our higher education institutions of hazing and all forms of senseless acts of violence,” De Vera said in a statement.
De Vera also urged all higher education stakeholders “to join hands and actively strive to end this culture of violence that continues to plague our institutions of higher learning.”
John Matthew Salilig, 24, reportedly died after undergoing hazing during the welcoming rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.
A witness had earlier told the police that Salilig was beaten at least 70 times.
He died on Saturday, Feb. 18, the same day he went missing. He was last seen on his way to Laguna for the initiation, according to the police.
Seven members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity have since surrendered.
RELATED STORY:
Adamson student died of ‘severe blunt force trauma’