A SIXTH member of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity has voluntarily surrendered to authorities in connection with the fatal hazing of 19-year-old maritime student, Mark Kenneth Alcedo, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Monday.
The suspect, a 19-year-old male, turned himself in on Sunday to Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga, as part of ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Earlier, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that four other Tau Gamma Phi members had also surrendered to police in General Trias City on the same day. Their names are John Lee Tuliao, 22; Archie Rosil, 21; Kenneth Ompod, 18; and John Rey Torrecampo, 19. The first suspect to surrender, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, turned himself in last Tuesday to the General Trias police and Mayor Jon-jon Ferrer. Authorities said the suspects are linked to the hazing incident that resulted in Alcedo’s death.
The police revealed that Tuliao and Torrecampo allegedly brought Alcedo to the General Trias Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead after the hazing on March 1. The autopsy report indicated that Alcedo died from blunt force trauma to his lower extremities, with police investigators noting the presence of fruits and chili seeds on his groin and buttocks, evidence of the brutal nature of the hazing. Authorities are still determining the specific roles of the other suspects who have surrendered.
Police have narrowed down the list of suspects directly involved to 15, with nine others still at large. Tuaño explained that charges under Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Law, will be filed against the suspects through the regular court process.
While the suspects may be released after filing, they could later be ordered arrested if the court finds sufficient grounds, particularly if new evidence emerges or if they violate any conditions set by the court during the pre-trial phase. The incident has prompted the organization to condemn the hazing and reaffirm its commitment to comply with anti-hazing laws, urging implicated members to surrender and face justice.
