Sorsogon student dies from hazing

SORSOGON CITY --- A 23-year old Criminology student of a local school in Bulan, Sorsogon has died due to hazing by members of the Tau Gamma fraternity, the local police said.

Major Joel Trillanes, Bulan municipal police chief, identified the victim as Omer Despabiladeras, a student of Solis Institute of Technology (SIT) and a resident of Zone 4, Bulan, Sorsogon.

The hazing victim was rushed to the Pantaleon Gotladera Memorial Hospital at around 4:00 PM Sunday, Feb. 16, but he was declared dead on arrival by the physician on-duty, Trillanes said.

Despabiladeras was among the 17 neophytes, who underwent hazing conducted by members of the Tau Gamma Bulan and SIT chapters.

Police authorities have already coordinated with the Scene of the Crime Office for the conduct of an autopsy to determine the injuries sustained by Despabiladeras.

Another victim, Alfredo Gonia, was rushed to the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital where he is presently undergoing medical treatment, Trillanes added.

He said that based on their initial investigation, the hazing was held at Sitio Banase, Barangay San Vicente though they are verifying a report that it happened in Zone 5 of the said municipality.

The police chief said they detained for investigation the two persons who brought Despabiladeras to the hospital and that they are considered as suspects. They were identified as Rembrant Gerola and Ulysis Berana, both Tau Gamma members and out-of-school youths.

Trillanes said they already have two other frat members who are willing to testify and had already given sworn statements to the police.

Based on their statements, there were about 15 Tau Gamma members who conducted the hazing rites but their names were still being verified by the police as of this writing.

The police is set to file charges of violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against the suspects today.