MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Friday, July 11, that 3 more suspects in the fatal hazing of a De La Salle-College of St Benilde (DLS-CSB) student have left the country.

“As of July 11, 2014, bureau records show that Esmerson Nathaniel Calupas, Hans Killian Tatlonghari, Eleazar III Pablico, and John Kevin Navoa are out of the country,” BI spokesperson Elaine Tan said in a statement. (READ: Binay to hazing suspects: You can’t hide forever)

The immigration bureau earlier revealed the departure of Navoa, who left for the United States last July 1. (READ: BI: One of Benilde hazing suspects has fled to the US)

The announcement came after the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an immigration lookout bulletin order against 17 suspects believed to be behind the June 28 hazing ritual that killed Guillo Cesar Servando and injured 3 other DLS-CSB students.

Servando, John Paul Raval, Lorenze Agustin, and a 17-year-old male student were brought to a boarding house in Makati City 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. (READ: College students call for review of Anti-Hazing Law)

The immigration bureau explained that a lookout bulletin does not mean the suspects cannot leave the country. (READ: FAST FACTS: Get to know Tau Gamma Phi)

“An ILBO issued against a person does not necessarily mean that they cannot leave the country, it only directs our immigration officers to coordinate with DOJ and NBI if there is an attempt to depart,” Tan said.

She said they are still verifying records of the rest of the suspects.

The DOJ, however, can issue a hold depature order to the immigration bureau once criminal charges are filed against the suspects. The Department of Foreign Affairs can also cancel the passports of those abroad so they can be deported. 

Authorities were set to file criminal charges against the suspects Friday afternoon. – Rappler.com