La Salle ROTC program in trouble over hazing reports

MANILA, Philippines – The Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) program of De La Salle University (DLSU) is under investigation over complaints of hazing. 

The university has suspended the Cadet Officer Candidate Course (COCC) program – a training program for future ROTC officers – while it conducts its investigation. 

According to The Lasallian, the DLSU’s campus newspaper, the Student Discipline Formation Office (SDFO) started the investigation of the case as early as June following hazing-related complaints received by the office.

The university’s student handbook and the Anti-Hazing Law (Republic Act No. 8049) define hazing as psychological and physical abuse as well as forced embarrassing or humiliating situations. 

Ongoing investigation

According to SDFO, the investigation is being fast-tracked. The office has already acquired statements from involved individuals and scheduled hearings in the coming weeks.

The Philippine Navy’s Naval Reserve Command (NAVRESCOM), the overseeing body of DLSU’s ROTC program, is set to conduct a parallel investigation on the alleged abuses of the COCC program.

“If it will be proven that activities related to hazing occurred in the unit, the students involved will be subject to disciplinary proceedings,” The Lasallian report added.

University President and Chancellor Br Ricky Laguda FSC acknowledged that violence, particularly hazing, does happen in and around campus. But he stressed that the University does not tolerate hazing and other frat-related violence.  

“Whether true or not, hazing has no place in the University or society in general…Hazing is intrinsically evil. People who do hazing have no conscience,” Laguda added. (READ: When brotherhood kills young dreams)

Not the first

Public clamor against hazing and fraternity-related violence has escalated after the death of DLSU – St Benilde student Guillo Cesar Servando, who died from severe blows to his body.  At least 11 suspects from the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity are implicated in the hazing incident.

In the University of the Philippines, another hazing incident was recently reported. UP said the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity was behind the hazing ritual. – Rappler.com