MANILA, Philippines – After a week of silence on the recent hazing incident that killed a La Sallian student and injured 3 others, De La Salle University (DLSU) condemned the incident as an “unconscionable and barbaric act.”

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Saturday, July 5, the university strongly condemned fraternity hazing. (READ: Aquino condemns hazing: It ‘escapes any logic’)

“This is an unconscionable and barbaric act that deserves no place in human society. We condole with the parents of the victims and assure them of the University’s complete cooperation with law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to the bar of justice,” DLSU said.

DLSU also reiterated its long-term policy that bans organizations “that conduct and promote violence in any form” – a Non-Fraternity Contract signed by a new La Sallian upon admission.

Joining a fraternity will result in either dismissal or expulsion, the statement read. “To reinforce this policy, students are constantly reminded of the dangers of joining these banned organizations throughout their University life.”

DLSU also reaffirmed its commitment to guide and counsel its students “to realize their full potential, underscoring the primacy of human life and the promotion of justice and peace.”

At least 4 students of De La Salle-College of St Benilde (DLS-CSB) – one of 17 member-schools of De La Salle Philippines – were involved in a hazing ritual of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity on Saturday, June 28. 

Guillo Cesar Servando, who died from the ritual, and John Paul Raval, Lorenze Agustin, and another 17-year-old male student were brought to a boarding house in Makati around Saturday afternoon for the initiation rites.

After the initiation, they were brought back to One Archer’s Place along Taft Avenue in Manila. From there, the students called Patrol 117 for help. They were rushed to the Philippine General Hospital, but Servando was pronounced dead on arrival.

More or less 14 to 15 suspects are believed to be behind the hazing ritual, but authorities have yet to file a formal complaint against them. (READ: Makati police: No delay in filing of case vs hazing suspects)

On Wednesday, July 2, DLS-CSB President and Chancellor Dennis Magbanua said the school is already taking “concrete steps” to make the campus “more secure.” 

He also urged his students to stop joining fraternities. 

“Just say ‘no’ to fraternities when they recruit you. When you say no, you will be a victor and not a victim,” Magbanua wrote. (READ: DLS-CSB president on frat recruitment: Just say no)

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), meanwhile, tasked all higher education institutions to regulate recruitment and initiation activities, and to be aware of their duty to uphold the Anti-Hazing Law. 

Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law states “that no physical violence be employed by anybody” during initiation rites. (READ: College students call for review of Anti-Hazing Law) – Rappler.com