5 suspects in fatal hazing undergo fiscal’s inquest

Five students underwent inquest proceedings at the Makati Prosecutor's Office on Saturday, on suspicion that they are responsible for the death of University of Makati (UMak) student EJ Karl Intia in a possible case of fraternity hazing. The Makati City Police presented documents to support its claims that the students, who surrendered to authorities a day after news of Intia's death came out, violated Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law, a radio report said. The police refused to identify the five student suspects. The complaints were filed before the Office of Makati City Assistant Prosecutor Lody Tancioco, who is expected to decide on Monday whether charges should be filed against the five. The report said the students would not be allowed to post bail if the prosecutor finds probable cause to charge the students for Intia's death. Under RA 8049, hazing is considered a non-bailable offense if it results in the death of the victim and if conviction could lead to a sentence of life imprisonment. Intia was said to have died during initiation rites of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity. His body was found on Sunday, dumped into a ravine in Laguna province south of Metro Manila. Not being a native of the area, the 19-year-old student could not be immediately identified by local authorities. While his remains sustained serious bruises on his legs — a common indication of fraternity neophytes being "paddled" — an autopsy showed that the victim died from traumatic injury on the head. Vice President Jejomar Binay, an APO alumnus, on Saturday said he has already obtained the assurance of his fraternity's national president that it will help give justice to Intia. Binay announced the APO assurance while attending the 27th death anniversary rites for Benigno Aquino Jr. in Manila. The Vice President, a former Makati mayor, also expressed condolences for Intia's family and reiterated that his fraternity does not tolerate hazing during initiation rites.—JV, GMANews.TV