Another Student Dies due to Fraternity Activities
This is a call for the leaders and members of the different fraternities in the Philippines to reflect on what “brotherhood” really is.
One of the concerns of countless parents of high school and college students is the possibility that their sons will join fraternity groups. Despite the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995, several recent reports proved that the risky activity they conduct as a test of “brotherhood” still exists.
One of the recent cases that sparked a lot of headlines was the death of John Matthew Salilig, a third year chemical engineering student of Adamson University when he died. It was in April of this year when his lifeless body was found in a shallow grave in Cavite — 10 days after he went missing. He was not seen again after he went to attend for a welcoming rites of the fraternity group that he was a member of.
Recently, another family was left in grief by the death of Ahldryn Bravante, a 25-year old Criminology student who died reportedly during the fraternity initiation rites. Two (2) of the 10 suspects surrendered asking for the family’s forgiveness.
While a lot of people claim that there are several benefits of being members of some fraternity groups and organizations, the reason why some guys are convinced to join, I believe that it is high time that the leaders of these frat groups must pause and reflect on what “brotherhood” really is.
Some things going out of hand during the initiation rites already have the capacity to be the cause of someone’s loss of life. While there is also a responsibility that lies on the part of the people who decided to join these groups, still, the activities must promote humanity, brotherhood, and compassion. Not being compassionate on what one is going through does not ignite the real spirit of brotherhood.
I believe that it is high time for the government and the police authorities, even the lawmakers, to use their power in putting an end to these activities that cost the lives and future of a lot of frat members and those who were aspiring to be one.
Disclaimer: The content of the article posted above is an opinion of the writer. Also, the citations provided are based on the information deemed as facts by the different legit sources that contribute to the basis of the making of the whole viewpoint. The writer does not, in any form, intend to create inaccurate understanding of the topic or influence the readers instead, express one’s viewpoint in a formal manner.