MANILA, Philippines – Police authorities are investigating the hazing-related death of a  20-year-old in Quezon province, which allegedly involves the same fraternity tagged in a similar incident in a Manila university in June.

In a phone interview with Rappler, Chief Inspector Reynaldo Reyes of the Tagkawayan PNP confirmed that Ariel Inofre was brought to the Bicol Medical Center on October 28 – more than a week after he underwent the initiation rites of Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Tagkayawan, Quezon on October 19, Sunday.

Reyes added that based on hospital reports, Inofre died on November 2 due to kidney failure and an infection after suffering from a coma. 

Earlier reports said that Inofre had contusions on his thighs when he came home after the initiation rites.

Four suspects tagged in Inofre’s hazing have gone into hiding, according to the police. They were among the 11 alleged Tau Gamma Phi members present at Inofre’s initiation rites. 

On Wednesday, police talked to the relatives of the suspects. Inofre’s parents, meanwhile, are expected to file a case against the suspects. 

Tau Gamma Phi is also implicated in the death of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde student Guillo Cesar Servando in June this year.

Not again?  

Youth groups quickly condemned the hazing-related death and called on all fraternities to obey the Anti-Hazing Law. 

The National Youth Commission (NYC), in a statement released on Wednesday, condemned the incident and called for a swift investigation to resolve the case. 

“We need to see the full extent of the Anti-Hazing Law in punishing those who were involved. This will also send a message to fraternities that hazing is illegal and punishable by law,” said NYC Chairperson Gio Tingson.  

The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) tagged Tau Gamma Phi‘s actions as ‘inconsistent’ with their public pronouncements. 

“The actions of Tau Gamma Phi are deplorable and solicits condemnation,” said  SCAP Chairperson Iska Dalangin. “Although their leadership asks members in public to abide by the Anti-Hazing Law, cases of violence still happen.” – Rappler.com