MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) on Monday denounced the continued prevalence of hazing and other initiation rites in the country.
“CEAP stands firm against hazing and other initiation rites and violence. We believe these acts have no place in our educational institutions and do not represent the gospel values of Catholic education,” CEAP president Sister Ma. Marissa Viri said in a statement.
“Such heinous acts not only endanger the lives of our students but also go against our mission of promoting solidarity and transformative Catholic education for our learners,” she added.
CEAP issued the statement following the death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig due to alleged fatal hazing from Tau Gamma Phi members.
The organization condoled with the bereaved family of Salilig.
According to Viri, they are hoping that the case of Salilig will “serve as a sobering reminder of the need for continued vigilance against all forms of violence and abuse in our schools.”
Viri also called on all CEAP member schools “to continue to promote a culture of respect, compassion, inclusivity and Christ-centeredness, where all students can feel safe and supported.”
She also urged all parties involved in the incident to cooperate in the investigation and ensure that justice is served.