San Beda holds candlelight vigil for two hazing victims

BARBARIC BROTHERHOOD Photo of Marc Andrei Marcos, 21, posted in the Twitter account of his sister. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The San Beda College community said they will hold Friday a school-wide para-lithurgy and candlelight vigil for two Bedans who died due to fraternity hazing this year.

Law freshman student Marc Andre Marcos died on Monday due to injuries allegedly sustained during initiation rites of the Lex Leonnum Fraternitas. This came about four months after another San Beda law student—Marvin Reglos—died due to fraternity hazing in February.

“The college offers spiritual support and is prepared to provide all forms of assistance to Marc’s family during this difficult time,” the school through its Office of the Rector-President said in a statement.

The school promised to fully cooperate with the authorities in finding those responsible for Marcos’ death.

“San Beda College does not approve or countenance membership in any clandestine organization, which employs, as part of its ceremonies or other practices, any act that results in injury to any person, through intimidation, violence, reckless imprudence or coercion,” it said.

To avoid a repeat of the fatal incident, San Beda has required every student, as a condition for enrolment, to sign an agreement not to join fraternities or sororities. Recruitment to such organizations is considered an administrative offense, it said.
While it admitted that it is physically impossible to monitor the activities of students, “San Beda College shall remain vigilant.”