Cavite police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a first year college student, who is suspected to be a victim of a hazing incident in General Trias City, Cavite, law enforcement announced on Tuesday, March 3.
The victim, later identified by his father as alias “Ken,” 19, was attending a maritime school, and was a resident of Dasmariñas City.
The attending physician observed that Ken sustained multiple bruises, particularly on his thighs. The nature and pattern of the injuries raised suspicion of hazing. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at 3:35 p.m. on March 1.
CCTV footage revealed that at about 2:11 p.m., three unknown men in a silver Mitsubishi Mirage, plate number NAV 9489, brought the victim to the General Trias Medical Center in Barangay Manggahan, claiming he was run over by another vehicle.
Two of the men, who had exited the sedan to help carry the victim inside the hospital, hurriedly left afterwards without having identified themselves or providing further details.
Police received a report concerning the victim at 4:30 p.m. that day. On March 2, an autopsy was conducted. Authorities are currently awaiting the official medico-legal findings to determine the exact cause of death.
Moreover, the vehicle was tracked, and records indicate it was reportedly used by an individual identified as “JM,” also a student at the same maritime school.
Police are conducting thorough backtracking and follow-up operations to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and the liability of all persons involved.
Cavite Police Provincial Director PCol. Ariel Red condemned the incident and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to pursuing justice. He stressed that hazing in any form constitutes a criminal offense punishable under the law, and that those responsible will be held accountable.
“No parent should ever have to face the pain of losing a child in this manner. If proven to be hazing, this is a betrayal of trust and a grave violation of the law. We assure the public that we are leaving no stone unturned in identifying and arresting all responsible individuals,” he said.
