Cavite: Five members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity have surrendered to authorities in connection with the alleged fatal hazing of a 19-year-old maritime student in Cavite, police said Monday. In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Randulf Tua±o stated that the five surrendered in Cavite on Sunday-one in Dasmari±as City and four in General Trias.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tua±o reported that the individuals who surrendered were aged between 18 and 23. Among them, a 19-year-old turned himself in to the city mayor of Dasmari±as, while the others, aged 23, 21, 18, and 19, surrendered in General Trias. Investigators are still determining the roles these individuals played in the hazing incident.

Tua±o mentioned that the police have narrowed down the number of suspects with direct involvement to 15. He also noted that cases for violation of Republic Act No. 11053, known as the Anti-Hazing Law, will be filed following regular procedures. This means that the surrenderees may initially be released by the court but could later face arrest orders.

In an earlier interview, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor 'Jonvic' Remulla said that the four individuals who surrendered to police were accompanied by representatives from the Tau Gamma Phi National Council, personnel from the Police Regional Office Calabarzon Intelligence Unit, and two lawyers. Remulla expressed satisfaction with the cooperation but noted that the process needs to be completed.

The incident resulted in the death of Mark Kenneth Alcedo, who allegedly underwent initiation rites with two other neophytes on March 1. An autopsy revealed that Alcedo died from blunt force trauma to the lower extremities, and investigators found fruits and chili seeds on his groin and buttocks.