The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) vehemently condemns the alleged fraternity hazing committed by Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity – Alpha Delta Chapter that resulted in the death of a student and seriously injured another one in Upper Mandug, Buhangin, Davao City on 18 September 2022. According to the statement released by the University of Mindanao, those involved in the violent hazing are fourth year students of the College of Criminal Justice.

CHR Region XI has initiated an independent investigation on this latest incident of hazing that tramples on the right to safety and security of students. Violent and cruel initiation rites threaten the well-being and future of our young people who are supposed to be in academic institutions to develop their full potential and build their dreams.

We note the said university’s prohibition of fraternities and similar groups in line with the Anti-Hazing Law of 2018 and its support in ensuring accountability of perpetrators. Local authorities are urged to conduct an immediate probe in the pursuit of justice for the victims and to deter similar crimes against students.

Considering the persistence of this violent practice involving students, we reiterate our call to the government and security sector to strengthen monitoring and collaboration with schools and universities to fully eliminate hazing. It is also incumbent upon schools and higher education institutions to enact mechanisms and proactive measures that will prevent and aid in discovering all forms of violent and cruel initiation rites of students within campus premises as well as beyond its confines.

We stress that the Anti-Hazing Act, as amended under Republic Act No. 11053, prohibits hazing and defines it as a criminal act. The law bans all forms of hazing—may it be physical or psychological suffering, harm, or injury—and expands the law’s implementation to cover, not only hazing in fraternities, sororities or organizations in schools, but to also include those in communities and even businesses and uniformed service learning institutions. We thus call for a stronger implementation of this law for the protection of children, students, and other individuals who may face the threats of such a harmful and violence practice.