11 suspects hunted for fatal hazing

IF you think joining a fraternity keeps you safe from prowling bullies, think again. A student did just that but died anyway. A 20-year old student was pronounced dead on arrival at the Governor Celestino Gallares Hospital in Tagbilaran City . The victim's body bore traces of hematoma and severe leg injuries, telltale signs of hazing, said Dr. Aida T. Inting.

The two unidentified persons who brought the victim to the hospital hurriedly left leaving the dead victim there. Police later identified the victim as Francisco Buslon Jr., of Tambangan, Loay. As of press time, police authorities are in custody of three suspects and are still tracking 11 other fraternity members who could have a hand in Buslon's death. When proven guilty, the fraternity members could be liable for violation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti Hazing Act.

Buslon, a junior Hotel and Restaurant Technology student at the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT) Tagbilaran, was perfectly healthy when he left home that morning, said Francisco Buslon Sr., the victim's father. The next time he knew of his son's death was from a wired message that came through the police channels.

The elder Buslon believes the severe bruises his son got from the initiation Friday July 14 caused his son's death. He said he is bent on filing appropriate charges. Initial police investigations reveal that Buslon went through the initiation rites prior to sharing benefits as full-pledged member of Megaleth Nu Sugma Phi (Megans). They said the initiation rites were held in a secluded place in barangay Anislag, Corella. The place is owned by a certain Elmer Jawa, possibly a relative of one the fraternity members.

Yesterday, police have rounded up three suspects namely 18 year old Greg Mark Clariño of Bayacabac, Maribojoc, a 26 year-old aircon technician Mario Otero, of Tubod Dako Loon and 23 year old Liny Dagangon of Mayana Jagna. Later radio reports Friday also said another hazing victim of the same fraternity initiation, 18 year old Emmanuel Gamad of Tamboan, Carmen was also treated at the out-patient department of the same hospital.

Information accordingly shared by a prime witness told the Post that the fraternity had three new recruits that day. He also said that the frat members used a paddle, which police believed was the murder weapon. It has not been recovered yet.

Police authorities are now hunting down Crisanto Dobar of Dampas district, Jonas Ecat of Dagohoy, John Bernard Quiño of Alicia, Henry Balbin of Loboc, Fel Jawa of Corella, Jan Alenar Asos of San Roque Mabini and Gary Batulanon of Poblacion, Catigbian. Also on the list are Jonel Espina of Pilar, a certain Almer and the fraternity's vice grand named Alfie both of the Philippine Maritime Institute here in Tagbilaran City in hopes to clear their names on the issue.

Buslon could be one of the many students here in Tagbilaran who feel their world shrinking, with the threats of harm from gangs and illegal fraternities closing in fast. Tagbilaran recently saw the alarming rise of gangs and illegal fraternities prowling on innocent students. The incident has also mysteriously kept police authorities helpless with cases apparently shoved under the rug. With an ongoing struggle to win the war in the most number of recruits, students have been forced to get in and at least be afforded a little protection. For Buslon, who is set to graduate next year, a year more of the tense situation could have brought him the decision to enlist. It was the same decision that cost him his life.

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