Five men who claimed to be members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity were arrested on Friday in Trece Martires City, Cavite province, after they were caught conducting hazing rites on three “neophytes.”
PO3 Benjamin Villanueva Jr., officer on case, said charges of physical injuries and violating the antihazing law were filed against the five. A source said, however, that the suspects are not students.
The five were arrested Thursday noon near a river in Barangay Cabezas following a tip from a resident who said he saw the group holding what appeared to be initiation rites.
The men admitted they are members of the Tau Gamma fraternity, Villanueva said. Two paddles were recovered from the group, he added.
The suspects were identified as Raymark Bolante, 24; Jeric Locanas,19; Elizander Allan Dejano, 19; Mark Antinjuedra, 23, and Jerome Contemprato, 18.
With them were “neophytes” Felix Sabio, 19; Jhon Jhon Santos, 20, and Jan Jandrick Garcia, 17. The three were sent home after treatment in a hospital for bruises on their legs.
Last week, College of St. Benilde student Guillo Cesar Servando died after going through initiation rites administered by members of the same fraternity in Makati City.