The Commission on Human Rights is now in the process of investigating the alarming circumstances surrounding the death of a grade 10 student in San Enrique, Negros Occidental.

Preliminary incident reports from the police indicate that the victim’s death may be due to hazing related activities as a wooden paddle was found in the house of one of the suspects. The victim reportedly joined a fraternity in March but did not undergo initiation rites as he was still a minor. Prior to the victim’s death, a day after his 18th birthday celebration, the victim reportedly told his parents that the suspects hit him with a paddle.

CHR has always held a strong stance against hazing and its consequences. While online schooling has been the norm during the pandemic, we remind schools and higher education institutions that they remain duty-bound to uphold and protect the rights of its students, and hazing is a direct violation of their student’s right to safety, security, and a threat to their well-being.

As we investigate this incident, we call upon the Department of Education in line with their Child Protection Policy to take cognizance of this incident. Furthermore, we urge schools, higher education institutions and the security sector to ensure proper and complete implementation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 and to practice vigilance in monitoring the country’s schools and universities.

We condole with the victim’s family and his loved ones.