Another neophyte files hazing raps vs Tau Gamma members

MANILA, Philippines - A neophyte who survived the initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi last June where De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde student Guillo Cesar Servando died has filed criminal charges against members of the fraternity before the Department of Justice.

John Paul Raval, one of the three neophytes who earlier testified in the joint fact-finding probe of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Makati City police, also decided to file his complaint for violation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law against the frat members.

In the first hearing last July 31, Raval and two other neophytes – Lawrence Anthony Agustin and a minor – subscribed to their affidavits before an investigating panel chaired by Assistant State Prosecutor Stewart Allan Mariano.

They detailed the incidents leading to the death of Servando after the hazing rites on June 28 held in a house on Calatagan Street, Barangay Palanan in Makati City.

From witness, Raval will become a victim and co-complainant in the hazing charges filed by Servando’s father Aurelio.

In yesterday’s hearing, only one of the respondents appeared and submitted his counter-affidavit.

Luis Solomon Arevalo, who surrendered to the NBI earlier, denied taking part in the hazing rites and claimed he has been an inactive member of the frat.

He also claimed that he even tried to stop his fraternity brothers from continuing the initiation rites.

The next hearing has been set on Aug. 14, also the deadline for filing of answers of all respondents. After that, the complaint would be submitted for resolution even without the counter-affidavits.