Last Friday, an otherwise obscure young man by the name of Francisco Buslon Jr. figured in the news after he suffered serious injuries during hazing rites conducted in Anislag, Corella.

His parents, who were hoping he would not only graduate at the government-owned Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology but live a productive life and even raise his own family, were naturally downcast. Buslon did not die at the hands of enemies thirsting for his blood. He was killed by young men like him. Buslon wanted to be accepted as a brother but the tragedy of it all is that they have a perverse way of welcoming him into their arms.

The death of this young man brings to mind the deaths of many others like him. Young people who died while at the prime of their life, nipped in the bud while they can even start to harness their potential. Just over a year ago, another young man died although in rather different circumstances. He was killed in what was theorized to be gang bloodbath. Not as painful as far as irony is concerned but just as tragic.

Buslon may be just a little more fortunate than the second youth in that those responsible for the death of the former have been identified and may have to face the music soon. The latter's death remains a big mystery notwithstanding the widespread belief his killers have been left untouched because they wield powerful influence over those who should be prosecuting them.

The two deaths may meet contrasting fates. And yet, the same sad reality stares society in the face – our young are dying early because their elders are too preoccupied with the business of making a living. The search for justice continues in both deaths, but there is more to them than bringing the perpetrators to face the consequences of their crimes. A deeper question remains on what society should do to parents who are equally responsible for rearing families that they cannot control or manage.

It has been said that there are no delinquent children, only delinquent parents. Parents may dispute that but the burden of responsibility is on them. Children who became threats to society did not turn into monsters overnight. They became such because their parents either did not have the time for them or simply did not have enough concern to deal with their delinquencies. We are killing our young, ironically, because we are too preoccupied with the rat race to have more in life. In the end, it all boils down to a choice between people and objects. Very few can have both. It's all about the choices we make