THE seemingly idyllic community service initiatives of the Temple Street (TST) gang in Barangay San Rafael 3, Noveleta, Cavite, have been shattered by the revelation of a brutal hazing incident that led to the arrest of several gang leaders.
Barangay Chief Tanod Benjie Borromeo expressed shock at the discovery, stating that the gang’s participation in community service projects had masked their violent initiation rites. “We only learned about this recently, which is why we were so surprised,” Borromeo said.
“We never suspected anything like this, especially considering their involvement in our community service programs. If we had known earlier, we could have prevented it.”
Police investigations revealed that the hazing, dubbed the “30 seconds massacre,” occurred around 4:30 PM on May 11. Video footage of the initiation rites shows gang members punching and kicking neophytes. PMaj. Sandie Caparroso, chief of the Noveleta police, explained, “Our investigation revealed that they held initiation rites. They call it the ’30 seconds massacre,’ where the leader selects four to five youths, and the newest members are beaten for 30 seconds.”
The TST gang, comprised of approximately 50 members, includes residents of Noveleta and individuals from neighboring towns like Kawit, General Trias, and Tanza.
The gang’s president admitted to the hazing, expressing remorse and apologizing to the victims and their families. However, he insisted that the gang’s overall intentions were positive.
“Our goal was to be good to the community, to conduct feeding programs, and to participate in clean-up drives and community service,” the president stated. “We deeply regret what happened.”
Those arrested face charges under the anti-hazing law. Ten individuals were apprehended, with several minors placed in the custody of the Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development.
Two underage victims are recovering from injuries sustained during the hazing.
