A RANKING official of the Samahang Ilokano Global Alumni Council (Sigac) urged fraternities to stop the practice of hazing among their ranks.
“Do not violate the anti-hazing law,” this was a stern warning from Sigac national chairperson Mark Anthony Baliton.
Addressing the delegates to the Sigac National Executive Council meeting held in Baguio City last week, he added the group will not tolerate violators of the law.
“If any members violate the anti-hazing law, we (the national council) will not help you, Baliton stressed.
Baliton issued the warning after a law student from the University of Sto. Tomas recently died from hazing during their fraternity rights.
The death of Horacio “Atio” Tomas Castillo III, at the hands of alleged members of the Aegis Juris law fraternity is now the subject of a Senate inquiry regarding the incident and bring forth possible amendments to the country’s anti-hazing law.
According to Baliton, Sigac-Baguio-Benguet Council chairman and village chief Benjie Macadangdang is currently designing new rules and regulations for service guidelines before being accepted to the fraternity.
Baliton said, SIGAC, will no longer honor its age long practice initiation or hazing, instead, new recruits or neophytes will be obliged to do public service before becoming a full pledged member of the fraternity. (PR)