By NIÑO N. LUCES
SORSOGON CITY – A criminology student in Sorsogon town died while a fellow neophyte suffered injuries during fraternity initiation rites here on Sunday, police said.
Police Executive Master Sergeant Edgar Calupit, deputy chief of Bulan Municipal Police Station (MPS), identified the victim as Omer Despabiladeras, 23, a student at Solis Institute of Technology and resident of Bulan town, Sorsogon.
Police report said the victim, a pledge of Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity- Bulan Chapter, underwent initiation conducted by the group at 10 a.m. on Feb. 16 at Sitio Banase, Barangay San Vicente, Bulan.
At around 4 p.m., the victim suddenly collapsed, prompting one Rembrandt Panes Gerolao and a certain Ulysis Bello Berania to rush him to Pantaleon Gotladera Memorial Hospital in Bulan town, but he was pronounced dead.
Calupit said that they have now two persons of interest in the incident.
“Sa ngayon po may dalawa po tayong persons of interests. Pero sila po ay na-release na dahil wala tayong pinanghahawakan na matibay na ebidensiya at saka nag lapse na rin ‘yung reglementary period,” he said.
He added that another frat member identified as Alfred Gona was hospitalized due to injuries after the hazing.
“Meron pa pong na-ospital at dinala sa Sorsogon City, pero as of now, stable na daw po ‘yung kalagayan,” Calupit added.
According to the victim’s relatives, they are preparing charges against the suspects while police are still conducting a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, Marwin B. Millare, a former Bicol secretary general and national TAO vice chairman for Luzon, said they will also conduct a parallel investigation regarding the incident.
He said that the organization will issue a statement soon.
