Camp BGen Simeon A Ola, Legazpi City — Police Regional Office 5 had already filed charges against 21 personnel from the 503rd Maneuver Platoon, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 who were involved on the alleged hazing incident that killed Pat Jaypee De Guzman Ramores today, August 4, 2022.
PRO5 filed before the Masbate Prosecutors Office criminal charges against the 21 suspects for violating RA 11053 which amended RA 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 prohibiting hazing and regulating other forms of initiation rites of fraternities, sororities, and other organizations.
Said law explicitly states that “no physical violence be employed by anybody during such initiation rites” which were violated by suspects.
Penalties if proven guilty for the commission of the crime are reclusion perpetua with corresponding fines.
Prior to the incident, on July 22, 2022, after performing a noon time road run around San Jacinto town, the victim collapsed and was brought to Ticao District Hospital but was released at about 5:00 PM of the same date.
Post mortem examination conducted by Ticao District Hospital, San Jacinto, Masbate dated July 28, 2022 disclosed that Pat Ramores suffered from Cardiorespiratory Arrest; Deep Vein Thrombosis Secondary to Pulmonary Embolism; and Multiple Physical Injuries Secondary to Blunt Trauma.
He also sustained severe bruises, burns on his chest, wounds on his knees and feet and other injuries on his body that caused his death on July 26.
Defendants have been also relieved from their post and were placed under the custody of RMFB 5, Regional Headquarters inside Camp Ola.
Aside from the criminal case, the suspects shall also face administrative charges for Grave Misconduct which will be handled by the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) 5.
PRO5 also upholds that investigation on the incident will not stop from the filing of cases by the SITG but it shall likewise put great emphasis on ensuring the accessibility of information while the trial is ongoing.
Moreover, this unit also encourages other personnel who have experienced the same to speak out and their voices be heard. PRO 5 aims not only to serve justice to the victims but also to end these derogatory and offensive initiation rites. (VICTOR BALDEMOR)
