The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) takes a strong stance against fraternities on its campus following the recent alleged hazing death of victim John Matthew Salilig. The university has issued a memorandum banning Greek-letter fraternities, organizations, and societies with similar structures from operating within its premises. The memo, published on March 17, 2023, has been spread to all higher education units to ensure strict implementation of the policy.
The ban by AdZU is in response to the Anti-Hazing Law of 1995 (RA 8049), which stipulates that any person who suffers physical harm or dies as a result of hazing or other forms of initiation rites will be treated as a principal offender. This means that the officers and members of the fraternity, sorority, or organization who participated in the hazing will be held liable for their actions.
It is important to note that any student found to be involved in such organizations or engaged in recruiting activities will be in violation of AdZU Student Handbook Section D on Major Offense/Violation D.3.6. The punishment for such an offense is severe and can lead to expulsion.
The AdZU community has emphasized that the university upholds the sanctity of human life and the dignity of every human person. As such, the ban on fraternities is seen as a necessary step to ensure that the university is a safe and secure environment for all students. It is hoped that other educational institutions will follow AdZU’s lead and take similar measures to combat hazing and other forms of violent initiation rites.
The remains of 24-year-old alleged hazing victim John Matthew Salilig were buried in his hometown in Zamboanga City on March 4, 2023. Matthew, a third-year chemical engineering student at Adamson University, attended the initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity in Biñan, Laguna on February 18. According to the investigation, he took at least 70 blows from a “wooden paddle” during the said rites. His autopsy reports showed that he died from “severe blunt force trauma to the lower extremities” and was already in the decomposition stage when he was found in an empty lot in Imus, Cavite following a 10-day search.
The Department of Justice has since indicted seven members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity for violating the Anti-Hazing Act. Jeoffrey Salilig, father of John Matthew, continues to demand justice and hopes that his son will be the last victim of hazing. He also appealed to parents of those who were victims of the same to finally put an end to this brutality.
|via Asia Jainal Abidin & Hanah Firdous Ahaja, The BEACON
