Cops identify suspect in Cavite hazing death
LUCENA CITY – Police have identified one of the suspects in the death of a 19-year-old college student who is suspected to have succumbed to injuries sustained during hazing rites in Cavite on Sunday.
READ: Cops probe suspected hazing death in Cavite
In a report on Tuesday, Cavite police named the driver of the Mitsubishi Mirage (plate number NAV 9489) that brought the victim to a hospital in General Trias City as alias “JM.”
“Records showed that the Mitsubishi Mirage had changed ownership several times and was reportedly being used by an individual identified as alias ‘JM,’ who is also a student at a maritime school,” the report stated.
Authorities are conducting backtracking and follow-up operations to establish the full circumstances of the incident and determine the liability of all those involved.
Police also identified the victim as alias “Ken,” 19, a first-year maritime student and resident of Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Col. Ariel Red, director of the Cavite Police Provincial Office, strongly condemned the incident and vowed to pursue justice.
“No parent should ever have to face the pain of losing a child in this manner. If proven to be hazing, this is a betrayal of trust and a grave violation of the law. We assure the public that we are leaving no stone unturned in identifying and arresting all responsible individuals,” Red said in a statement.
He urged anyone with relevant information about the incident and the suspects to coordinate with the police.
“Justice for Ken will not be compromised. The Cavite police stand firmly with the family during this difficult time and remain resolute in protecting our students and communities from violence,” he added.
An earlier police report stated that at around 2:11 p.m. on Sunday, the Mitsubishi Mirage arrived at General Trias Medical Hospital in Barangay Manggahan carrying an unconscious man who was later identified as Ken.
Two unidentified men alighted from the vehicle while the driver, now identified as JM, remained inside. The pair asked hospital personnel to remove the victim from the car and claimed that he had been involved in a hit-and-run incident.
Shortly afterward, the two men and the vehicle left the hospital premises.
During a physical examination, the attending physician observed multiple bruises on the victim’s body, particularly on his thighs. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead at 3:35 p.m.
Police have classified the case as murder, allegedly linked to hazing.
READ: Another hazing case rocks PMA
In 2018, Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, which amended Republic Act No. 8049, was enacted. The law prohibits all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations both within and outside schools, including citizens’ military training, as well as in businesses and corporations. /coa
