Sigma Rho execs suspended as UP hazing probe starts

Officials of the Sigma Rho fraternity in the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, have been slapped with a 30-day suspension, GMA News’ Saksi reported early Saturday quoting an unnamed source from the university. The report said the suspension came as authorities launched an investigation into the death of hazing victim Cris Anthony Mendez . UP students on Friday marched inside their campus to demand justice for Mendez. The march was led by Mendez's classmates and teachers at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG). Mendez's family has blamed the Sigma Rho fraternity for the death of the 20-year-old graduating student. The marchers wore black shirts and carried placards. In addressing those believed responsible for Mendez's death, a student read a statement in Filipino that said: "What you did is unacceptable. Your conscience will never be at peace. We won't let you be until you stop hiding the truth of what really happened. We hope what happened to our friend won't befall you or your loved ones." Police have not come up with their official findings on the case. Radio station dzBB reported that the students converged at the Palma Hall in UP. An organization called on the UP administration and the police to "bring light" to the case. The Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UP (Stand-UP) in a statement urged its 13 member fraternities and sororities to "live up to the ideals" Mendez served during his stint as a student council member. "Living up to these ideals will not only avert fraternities from the deeply embedded culture of violence, but will also mark their significant placement in society," it said. -GMANews.TV