THE University of Mindanao (UM) has reiterated its policy banning fraternities or sororities in all its campuses.
The UM issued a statement on the matter Tuesday, December 17, following a post on social media about an alleged violence involving one of its students who was recruited into a fraternity and underwent an initiation rite.
"For the information of the general public and to disabuse the minds of those alleging inaction on the part of the school, UM reiterates that UM does not recognize and accept fraternity or sorority organizations as part of student clubs in the campus, even those cloaked as honor societies," it said.
The university added that it continues to support the implementation of Republic Act 11053, otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, which prohibits hazards and other acts of physical harm and violence in fraternity and sorority rites.
"For many years, UM has sternly warned and punished fraternities, as well as its ROTC officers/cadets involved in hazing as part of military training," the statement added.
The university, meanwhile, called on the cooperation of the public and community to report such incidents to prevent any hazing-related violence involving the students.
For any information, anyone may contact Office of Student Affairs at 244-3400 or 305-0647 local 104 for proper action and resolution.
"The school does not condone such barbarism that offends decency and reason," UM said.
"Finally, UM is doing its best to deliver on its commitment of providing for a safer learning environment for its faculty and students. The university is also doing its best to ensure the safety and security of its faculty and students in a conducive atmosphere of transparency and cooperation," it added.
In a separate interview, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Colonel Kirby John Kraft said they have not received any report on the hazing incident.
He likewise encouraged the victim to report to their office for proper investigation.
"We will check on it and we will advise them to report to the nearest police station so we could act on it," Kraft said.