9 frats commit to ‘no hazing’

CEBU, Philippines —  Nine fraternities and sororities in Cebu City signed yesterday a pledge of commitment not to include hazing in their initiation rites for new recruits during a ceremony initiated by Cebu City Police Office at the City Hall.

The fraternities and sororities were Alpha Phi Omega led by Eduard Zenarosa Jr., Scouts Royale Brotherhood, Beta Gamma Rho led by Charlo Pelino, Alpha Kappa Rho led by Stephen Rusidna, Tau Gamma Phi/Sigma led by Roniel Telebangco and Beverely Artaso, Alpha Sigma Phi led by Evelyn Sabordo, Alpha Phi Epsilon led by Joshua Ybañez, Gamma Phi Sigma led by Ferdie Ace Llaguno Cinco, and Upsilon Phi Sigma led by Camelogne Derrick Villarta.

According to Police Lt. Col. Ma. Theresa Macatangay, spokesperson of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), they met with the fraternities and sororities two weeks ago, and part of their meeting was that all fraternities and sororities form a joint action to condemn the hazing in their initiation rites.

Macatangay said that based on Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law, hazing is prohibited and there are no exceptions.

Macatangay added that the fraternities and sororities also gave permission that they all commit not to allow nor participate in any action that will cause harm to the new recruits.

"Apart from that, they also committed themselves to help law enforcement agencies, especially CCPO, if ever there are crimes that were committed or is to be committed or they have information of the suspects they will participate", said Macatangay.

The CCPO will also form a council of fraternities and sororities and when all the terms are approved, the said council will serve as a monitoring body for each of the fraternities and sororities that will perform initiation rites.

"Not that they will be present during in the initiation rites but sort of to ensure that everyone is on board and will conform with the law kana ra siya and of course those who will not join will be presumed they are still conducting this hazing in their initiation rites so mao sad nay ganahan nato makab-ot sa paghimo aning tigom," said Macatangay.

Macatangay pointed out that this is necessary so that what happened to Ronnel Baguio will not happen to anyone else.

Baguio was a second year Marine Engineering student in one of the universities in Cebu City who died due to hazing.

More meaningful

Instead of hazing, fraternities and sororities here in Cebu City have also been urged to engage in a more meaningful and useful exercise and training, something that former fire marshal and disaster chief Anderson Cumar started after typhoon Odette.

Cumar, who is currently serving as special assistant of Mayor Mike Rama, told The Freeman that he was asked by CCPO officials how to help these fraternities get away with hazing.

Cumar opened up on the program he started while he was still the city disaster chief which involved training fraternity aspirants and members in disaster responses.

This is not only to keep a positive image and avoid violent initiations and inter-frat wars but even help the city during a disaster.

Instead of undergoing a painful paddle as an initiation, members especially aspirants will have to do a 40-hour training to become responders in times of disaster.

Cumar said he was actually able to form a group of volunteer responders from frat groups but was dismantled when he was replaced as the disaster chief.  – Caecent N. Magsumbol, JMD (FREEMAN)