MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) denounced on Thursday the death of a Grade 10 student in Negros Occidental, which was allegedly caused by hazing.
Following the death of the 18-year-old student on Sept. 9 purportedly due to hematoma, the DepEd pledged in a statement that an investigation “will be carried out immediately”.
“We enjoin our schools to take a more active role in the prevention of violence. We deeply regret and sympathize with the family during this difficult time and pray that they be accorded the justice that they deserve,” the statement read.
The DepEd had previously issued directives forbidding hazing in schools and imposed sanctions for violators.
“The Department of Education strongly condemns any violence perpetrated against learners and strictly implements the Anti-Hazing Act that prohibits the conduct of hazing or any initiation rites associated with fraternities, sororities and similar organizations,” it said.
Schools are directed to work with local units of the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Work and Development, and the Philippine National Police to monitor and control the proliferation of fraternities, sororities, and similar organizations in elementary and secondary schools in their respective areas under DepEd Order No. 7, which was issued in 2006.
“In addition, DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2021, the Child Protection Unit which the Department institutionalizes our commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of abuse, exploitation, discrimination and bullying. Any act of gang-related or fraternity violence committed by learners shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of DepEd Order No. 18, s. 2015 or the Guidelines and Procedures on the Management of Children-At-Risk and Children in Conflict with the law,” the DepEd said.
The incident in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, is already being investigated by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
According to police reports, the victim’s death “may be linked to hazing-related activities as a wooden paddle was discovered in one of the suspects’ house”.
Because he was still a minor at the time, the victim joined a fraternity in March but did not go through initiation ceremonies. On September 3rd, he became 18 years old.
The CHR said that prior to the victim’s death, the student reportedly told his parents “that the suspects hit him with a paddle”.
