MANILA, (PIA) — Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has called for a robust public awareness campaign against fraternity hazing, urging the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to take action.
His appeal follows the recent convictions related to the hazing death of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III and another 18-year-old student in Nueva Ecija.
In a media interview, Zubiri emphasized the need for students and the public to be informed about the serious legal consequences of hazing, a practice he described as “barbaric.”
“I think the conviction after seven long years is something that will really be a deterrence,” he said, noting that while justice was served, the public must understand the gravity of participating in such acts.
Zubiri, a former Senate President and a co-author of the updated Anti-Hazing Law, expressed disappointment that no school officials were held accountable for Castillo’s death.
“It saddens me… that the school was not included in the conviction,” he stated, reflecting on his close ties to Castillo’s family.
The senator highlighted a disturbing trend, noting that since 2018, numerous young men have died due to hazing. He cited a list of victims over the years, including Darwin Dormitorio and John Matthew Salilig, who have lost their lives in similar incidents.
Despite the existence of the Anti-Hazing Act, Zubiri pointed to a reluctance among some in the academic community to eradicate hazing, often due to faculty members’ affiliations with fraternities. “It’s so difficult to get out of their system… that this is an illegal act,” he explained.
Zubiri plans to engage with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera to issue strong warnings to schools about the illegality of hazing.
“We need to involve CHED and DepEd to send a clear message,” he added.
The senator also stressed the importance of fraternity leaders in denouncing violent hazing practices, appealing directly to organizations like Tau Gamma Phi to join the fight against this culture of violence.
“Not everyone in Tau Gamma Phi are bad people… We need their leaders to come out and speak up,” he urged.
Zubiri’s advocacy aims not just for legal reform but for a cultural shift in attitudes toward hazing within educational institutions. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
