Hazing case: ‘Lions’ snubbing NBI subpoena

Marc Andre Marcos. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCOS FAMILY

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation had issued subpoenas for at least 20 students of San Beda law school, including eight officers of Lex Leonum Fraternitas, to shed light on the death of alleged hazing victim Marc Andre Marcos, an agent said.

But only three had responded out of these individuals who were supposed to appear on Aug. 13 at the NBI office in Tagaytay City, according to NBI-Cavite chief investigator Alvin Rebadulla.

One of those who responded told the NBI-Cavite in writing that he could not make it that day because he was preparing for his midterm exams, Rebadulla said

The letter was hand-carried by the parents of the student, whom Rebadulla declined to identify for lack of a  clearance from his superiors.

Two others had appeared before other NBI agents based at the headquarters in Manila, he said.

According to a list obtained by the Inquirer, among the fraternity leaders summoned by the NBI were Gian Angelo Veluz, whose father Angelito owns the 12-hectare farm in Dasmariñas where Marcos reportedly underwent hazing at the hands of LLF elders.

The younger Veluz carries the title Vice-Most Exalted Lion-External, making him the third highest officer of the organization.

Also summoned by the NBI were Jenno Antonio Villanueva, the fraternity head or its Most Exalted Lion; Edward Jeffrey Santiago, Richard M. Rosales, Julius Alcancia, Marvin Reyes, Mohammed Fyzee Alim, and Chino Amante.

Rebadulla said the NBI-Cavite had set another hearing on the case on Aug. 22.

The agent also said the agency had established contacts with some of the fraternity neophytes present in the hazing rites with Marcos.

He added that these neophytes had expressed their willingness to cooperate in the investigation but had yet to issue a sworn statement or appear before the NBI.

Marcos, a 21-year-old San Beda law freshman, died from serious injuries on July 30, a day after attending a fraternity initiation in Dasmariñas. Members of the LLF were suspected to be behind his death.

On Aug. 3, several LLF alumni, including spokesperson and former Quezon City councilor Ariel Inton issued a statement denying the organization was involved in hazing.