COPS PROBE SUSPECTED HAZING DEATH OF CAVITE MARITIME STUDENT

THE police are investigating the death of 19-year-old student in Cavite who died of injuries sustained in a suspected hazing.

The victim was identified by his father as “Ken,” a first year college student of a Maritime school, and a resident of Dasmariñas City, Cavite.  

Based on investigation, around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday,  the local police received a report that an unconscious young man had been brought to the General Trias Medical Center in Bgy. Manggahan in General Trias City, Cavite.

Lawmen immediately responded and proceeded to the hospital, where they confirmed that the victim had already been declared dead (DOA).  

A CCTV footage revealed that at about 2:11 p.m. of the same day, a grey Mitsubishi Mirage bearing plate number NAV 9489 arrived at the hospital.

Two unidentified men stepped out of the vehicle while another remained in the driver’s seat.  The duo asked the hospital staff to help them unload the unconscious victim, claiming he had been involved in a hit-and-run incident.

After bringing the victim inside the hospital, the two men hurriedly left the hospital without identifying themselves or providing further details.

During the medical examination, the attending physician observed multiple bruises on the victim’s body, particularly on his thighs. The nature and pattern of the injuries raised suspicion of hazing.

Despite medical efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at around 3:35 p.m..

Authorities are currently awaiting the result of the autopsy or the official medico-legal findings to determine the exact cause of the victim’s death. 

Investigation further led authorities to trace the vehicle that brought the victim to the hospital, which was found abandoned in a vacant lot in Bgy. Panungyanan also in General Trias, City.

Records showed that the Mitsubishi Mirage had changed ownership several times and was reportedly being used by an alias “JM,” who is also a student of the Maritime school. 

Police are conducting thorough backtracking and follow-up operations to establish the full circumstances of the incident and determine the liability of all persons involved.  

Cavite Provincial Police Director Col. Ariel Red strongly condemned the incident and reaffirmed the commitment of the police to pursue justice.

“No parent should ever have to face the pain of losing a child in this manner. If proven to be hazing, this is a betrayal of trust and a grave violation of the law. We assure the public that we are leaving no stone unturned in identifying and arresting all responsible individuals,”  Red said.

The Cavite top cop emphasized that hazing, in any form, is a criminal act and will be dealt with accordingly.

He appealed to the public, especially members of academic institutions and organizations, to cooperate with investigators.

“We urge anyone with relevant information to come forward. Justice for Ken will not be compromised. Cavite Police stands firmly with the family during this difficult time and remain resolute in protecting our students and communities from violence,” the official said.

Violation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 carries the penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of up to P3 million.