TWO officials of the Tau Gamma Fraternity surrendered to the authorities following the death of an 18-year-old student from alleged hazing in Kalayaan, Laguna last Sunday.
Victim Reymarc Rabutazo of Bgy. Longos, Kalayaan municipality was declared dead on arrival at the General Cailles Hospital in Pakil, Laguna.
Kalayaan town police chief Lt. Erico Bestid Jr. identified the suspects as Venzon Benedict Lacaocao alias “Venz,” 19, a waiter and Rey Vince Espaldon alias “Binsot,” 19, a 1st year Criminology student.
Lacaocao was turned over to the authorities by his elder brother, Veelly Jhames Cabanmalan, while Espaldon was arrested in a follow-up operation in Bgy. Longos, Kalayaan, Laguna.
Police said Lacaocao and Espaldon are both officials of the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity Longos Kalayaan Chapter.
Both frat officials are facing homicide raps and violation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, Bestid said.
Bestid said included in the charge sheet were alleged frat members Kevin Perez, Kirby Galero, Paulo Lacaocao, Leo Sandro Duco, alias “Papo,” Wilson Maestrado, Johndel Ponce, and Kris Jairo Cabiscueles. All are being hunted by a police’ tracker team.
An initial report said a young man allegedly died from drowning in a river in the mountainous part of Twin Falls in Bgy. San Juan, Kalayaan town.
Members of the Kalayaan Municipal Police Station immediately responded to the area.
An investigation showed it was not a case of drowning but of hazing.
