UM suspends 4 students involved in frat hazing

The body of the slain fraternity-related hazing, August Ceazar P. Saplot, was found at Purok Santo Nino, Sison Village, Upper Mandug, Buhangin District this city where the incident allegedly took place on September 18.

Saplot was a pledgee of the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity, Alpha Delta Chapter. 

The UM said out of 14 students tagged as perpetrators, two finished Criminology of the remaining number, nine were arrested and three others are still at large and their enrollment status have yet to be verified.

“Of the nine, only four are actually enrolled at present,coming from the criminology, management, accounting, nursing, and hospitality management programs,” the statement reads. 

The remaining five students are not enrolled in the university since they were all dropped-out or transferees to other schools, according to the statement.

They said, due to this incident, the name of the university is dragged, disrespected, and derided, although the hazing activity was done outside the school premises.

“It is in this line that the University President has caused the suspension of the four students who are enrolled at present to disabuse any hint of leniency or prevent them from coming to school while the disciplinary investigation is going on,” the statement added.

The university said, they will be coordinating with other schools to help curb this menace.

The university also emphasized their full support of the law prohibiting the hazing and other acts of physical harm and violence in fraternity and sorority rites and even in ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) for military training.

The UM has called on the public and the community at large- most especially the parents and the studentry to help them curb this archaic and violent practice.

“Student safety is a 2-lane avenue, not a 1-way street. While UM does not condone such barbarism that offends decency and reason, the school can only do so much,” the statement said.

The arrested suspects including those who remain at large are now facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law. 

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief Colonel Alberto Lupaz in a recent press conference said the police will continue to hunt those individuals who are still at large.