Senator Win Gatchalian condemns the latest incident of alleged hazing activity by a fraternity in the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman

The latest episode of suspected hazing conduct by a fraternity at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman has been condemned by Senator Win Gatchalian.

Gatchalian urged the university’s administration to make sure that any students who are found guilty of participating in the incident will be subject to the full wrath of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11053). The senator urged the university to intensify its efforts to combat hazing occurrences, put an end to their persistence, and ensure that all students have access to safe zones.

The now-suspended Twitter account @UPSILONLEAKS posted a number of violent videos and pictures of the purported hazing incident on July 3. A new Twitter account tweeted pictures and videos of the purported incident while this account was suspended for breaking community guidelines. This report also criticised what it called a trend of fraternity-related violence in the campus being covered up.

Although no UP student has been identified in the images and videos, UP Diliman Chancellor Dr.

According to Fidel Nemenzo, the University’s units will collaborate with student organisations to confirm information.

“Walang lugar ang ganitong uri ng karahasan sa ating mga pamantasan. Kailangan nating panagutin ang sinumang mapapatunayang may kinalaman sa insidenteng ito at ipakita sa kanilang hindi nila matatakasan ang batas,” said Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

All types of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and groups in schools, as well as citizen army and citizen military training, are forbidden by law. Fraternities, sororities, and other non-school-based groups including community-based ones and others with a similar mission are also included in this ban.

The regulation requires all institutions to take more proactive measures to safeguard students from the risks associated with taking part in hazing activities.

Those who organise or take part in hazing events that result in murder, rape, sodomy, or mutilation face reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3 million.