End this now

It is really hard not to notice, and criticize the monumental stupidity that is fraternity hazing. Now that the media has a foothold on the story behind the slaying of Guillo Cesar Servando by the Tau Gamma Phi, surrender feelers are being sent by those allegedly involved in the fatal, stupid ceremony. The internet is ablaze with indignation with regards to the death of yet another wannabe "brother." Even the Palace has chimed in, with the President ordering that those behind this latest atrocity be arrested and face the full force of the law. Sounds good, if it actually happens.

Surrender feelers are allegedly being sent by Tau Gamma Phi members, I would guess those who participated in the hazing. Why should surrender feelers be sent? Are their lives in danger? Police stations, even the media are available anytime of the day. Why the need for surrender feelers? Is it to buy more time for them to make good their escape? So authorities would ease up on searching for them?

I thought these fraternity men were tough? Or is the reason why they need a fraternity is because individually, they are sniveling, pathetic cowards? Obviously that tough guy image or reputation is only as good as their numbers, and whenever nobody is looking. Expose their criminal rituals and they scamper like illuminated cockroaches.

Another case of hazing has also been exposed, this time by a fraternity from the University of the Philippines. A neophyte was hospitalized after going through a brutal hazing from the hands of the Upsilon Sigma Phi, one of the oldest fraternities in the country. If the neophyte was not brought to the hospital, he would have suffered the same fate as Guillo Servando. He was lucky. The parents have vowed to file a case against the fraternity, even if the son that was almost killed by his would-be brothers would rather not. For him, it is more important to become an Upsilon member than anything else. So much for our "iskolar ng bayan". They are in for a hell of a fight. Upsilon Sigma Phi alumni are among the most powerful in the country. From politicians, lawyers to businessmen, even in education. Some officials of the UP are alumni of Upsilon.

Fraternity hazing will not stop, no matter what the law states. Obviously, these organizations are not perturbed by whatever law exists on hazing. They bank on their alumni to get them out of sticky situations such as murder, and just laugh at those who come after them, including their victims.

Government should step in and put a definitive stop to hazing in all its forms. There may be nothing wrong with fraternities, who are also protected by the Constitution. But hazing? Downright criminal. And why should a criminal activity be tolerated? Hazing must be dealt with an iron fist, no matter who is at the receiving end. There really is no understanding the culture of gratuitous violence in the name of brotherhood.

End this now.