HAZING has been a chronic festering issue plaguing educational and training institutions. In the Philippines, it can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period. Such rituals were part of the “Guardias de Honor” initiation rites. Later, it emerged in student organizations like fraternities during the American colonial period.
In the early 20th century, hazing became a tradition of fraternities and sororities, especially in various Greek-letter organizations. The practice often involved harassment, abuse or humiliation meant to test the commitment, loyalty and resilience of the recruits. They had to “earn” their place in the group — all of which also went through the same grueling process before being accepted.
In 1991, Ateneo Law School freshman Lenny Villa sought membership in the Aquila Legis fraternity. He soon died from cardiac failure after being subjected to two horrific days of initiation rites involving “severe physical and psychological hazing.” To address the lack of a clear government policy on this clandestine practice, Republic Act 8049, or the Anti-Hazing Law of 1995, was passed. The measure required fraternities, sororities and organizations to notify school authorities before conducting initiation rites and contain an undertaking that no physical violence would be employed during such activities.
During deliberations in the Senate, Sen. Joey Lina, the principal author of the bill, declared that it intended to “break the conspiracy of silence” that allowed the practice to flourish. It was meant to broaden the accountability for the safety and lives of students beyond those who directly inflict physical harm during initiation rites.
Despite the law, however, the practice of hazing continued. In 2017, yet another death shocked the nation. Horacio Castillo III, a law student at the University of Santo Tomas, perished from a massive heart attack at the hands of peers who were supposed to be more than brothers to him.
In response, the Anti-Hazing Law was amended in 2018. The new law completely banned all forms of hazing. Harsher penalties were imposed for those involved, including imprisonment for life for those who planned and participated in the hazing if it resulted in death, rape or mutilation.
Scientific evidence tells us that increasing penalties (including death) by itself does not deter the commission of crime. The stronger deterrent is the certainty of punishment. The perception that the pillars of criminal justice are fair and incorruptible engenders compliance with the law.
In 2019, Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio died after being beaten and made to do physically abusive exercises. There was also evidence that he, along with other PMA plebes, was forced to undergo electrocution via Taser — among other abuses — before his untimely death.
As a result of the incident, upperclassmen Shalimar Imperial Jr. and Felix Lumbag Jr. were both accused of murder, while another, Julius Tadena, was accused of violating the anti-hazing law. All were found guilty and sentenced to reclusion perpetua just this Aug.16, 2024.
The recent decision of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court on the death of cadet Dormitorio reminds us that both government and educational institutions are crucial in eradicating hazing — a deeply harmful practice that has no place at all in a civilized society. Rituals and traditions meant to promote brotherhood and solidarity need not be violent and fatal.
We understand the importance of esprit de corps in the Armed Forces. For soldiers, the buddy system is critical for survival. However, even the conduct of kinetic war has rules to be followed. Hazing a fellow cadet is not a sign of bravery. It is perverse for soldiers to be trained to find joy in the suffering of those who endure pain just to belong.
“Brotherhood is the very price and condition of man’s survival,” said Carlos P. Romulo.
