Manila: Another member of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity linked to the alleged fatal hazing of a 19-year-old maritime student in Cavite has surrendered to authorities. The 26-year-old suspect turned himself in to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) on Monday night, accompanied by his counsel, CIDG-NCR chief Col. John Guiagui announced on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the suspect's surrender increases the number of individuals in police custody to seven, with 11 more still at large. "Yes, there is one person who surrendered to us and along with his counsel, came to us last night in relation to the hazing that happened in Trece Martires," Guiagui stated during a press briefing. He also mentioned that the suspect will be handed over to Trece Martires police for further investigation.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to reach out to the remaining individuals involved in the incident, which occurred in General Trias. "We are exerting our efforts to reach out to those named and those involved in the incident in General Trias and we are expecting more to come to our office," Guiagui said.
Lawyer Jayve Grospe, representing the suspect, explained his client's decision to surrender to the CIDG-NCR. "I myself convinced him to surrender because, first of all, it shows respect for our justice system and the rule of law. Secondly, it is our response to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's call to surrender," Grospe told reporters in Camp Crame. Grospe noted that his client maintains his innocence but has not confirmed or denied his presence at the alleged hazing.
Police have indicated that cases for violation of Republic Act 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Law, will be filed against the suspects through regular procedures. The victim, Mark Kenneth Alcedo, died while allegedly undergoing initiation rites with two other neophytes on March 1. An autopsy revealed that Alcedo died of blunt force trauma to the lower extremities, and investigators also discovered fruits and chili seeds on his groin and buttocks.
