Grade 10 student dies from hazing

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A Grade 10 student reportedly died after undergoing hazing in San Enrique, Negros Occidental.

Three fraternity members were being investigated in connection with the incident, according to Lt. Sammy Gasataya, deputy chief of the San Enrique police.

Gasataya said the 18-year-old victim died on Sept. 9 due to hematoma.

He said the incident was reported to the municipal police last Saturday, or two days after the victim died.

The suspects, whose names were withheld, denied they had a hand in the the death of the victim.

Probers said they recovered a wooden paddle allegedly used in the hazing at the house of one of the suspects.

Investigation showed the suspects recruited the victim in March this year.

On Sept. 3, the victim marked his 18th birthday and the suspects were among his guests.

Before he died, the victim reportedly told his parents that the suspects hit him with a paddle.