The management of the University of Mindanao (UM) has suspended the four students who were allegedly involved in the hazing incident, which resulted to the death of August Ceazar P. Saplot, a pledgee of the ALPHA KAPPA RHO Fraternity, Alpha Delta Chapter.
In a supplemental public statement, the management of UM stated that the University President has ordered the suspension of the four students who are enrolled at present to debunk any hint of leniency or prevent them from coming to school while the disciplinary investigation is going on.
“We shall be coordinating with other schools to help curb this menace, as some of those involved are enrolled with them,” it said.
As per the latest updates according to the statement, there were about 14 students involved as perpetrators and two others as victims (one died and another injured). Of the 14, two graduated already from the Criminology program while of the remaining 12, nine were arrested and three others are still at large and whose enrollment status has yet to be verified.
Of the nine, only four are enrolled at present, coming from the Criminology, Management Accounting, Nursing, and Hospitality Management programs. The remaining five students are not enrolled in the university (they are all dropped out or transferees to other schools).
“Because they are former students of UM, even though the hazing activity was done outside the school, the name of the university is dragged, disrespected, and derided,” it said.
The university also vowed to fully support the lawful prohibition of hazing and other acts of physical harm and violence in fraternity and sorority rites and even in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) for military training.
“We call on the public and the community at large – most specially the parents and the studentry – to help us curb this archaic and violent practice. Student safety is a 2-lane avenue, not a one-way street. While UM does not condone such barbarism that offends decency and reason, the school can only do so much,” it said.
Last week, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Colonel Alberto Lupaz reported that the Mandug Police Station has already filed cases against the suspects Jeremiah Obedencia Moya; Leji Wensdy Ofecio Quibuyen; John Lloyd Garciano Sumagang; Harold Joshua Sagaral Flauta; John Steven Baltazar Silvosa; Ramel John Potenciano Gamo; Gilbert Escodero Asoy, Jr; and Roseller Andres Gaentano.
The said suspects are now under the custody of Mandug Police Station 13 and will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law.
