The recent, horrifying murder of Ahldryn Bravante has shattered our collective conscience, shedding light on the dire need for justice and accountability in our society. This tragic event, involving criminology students, has exposed a disturbing facet of our nation and the institutions that are meant to mold responsible citizens. As we grapple with the loss of a promising young life, it is crucial that we scrutinize the culpability of all parties involved and demand tangible actions to prevent such heinous acts from recurring in the future.
First and foremost, the perpetrators of this unspeakable crime must face the full weight of our legal system. Ahldryn Bravante’s agony was not only a heart-wrenching tragedy but a profound betrayal of trust within the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity. These individuals have tarnished the very principles they should have held dear as criminology students and future members of our nation’s military and uniformed services.
The Philippine College of Criminology must act promptly and decisively by expelling these individuals and forbidding them from pursuing careers in the military and uniformed services. Acts as cruel as this have no place in institutions meant to uphold the highest standards of discipline and honor. We must send an unequivocal message that human rights violators and murderers have no place in our security forces.
Yet, accountability does not rest solely with the perpetrators. It extends to the institutions that may have failed to prevent this tragedy. Manila Rep. Joel Chua’s call for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to launch an exhaustive investigation into the administrative liability of the Philippine College of Criminology is justified. We must ensure that this institution neither tolerated nor encouraged hazing rituals that culminated in this horrific incident.
Furthermore, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Quezon City government must investigate and ascertain the administrative liability of the property owner where the hazing occurred and the local barangay in which it transpired. It is crucial to unearth any complacency, negligence, or complicity in permitting such perilous activities.
Accountability doesn’t end at the local level. The Department of Justice (DOJ) must investigate and establish the liability of the national and local officers of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity. Any potential role they played in fostering a culture that permitted such brutality must not go unpunished.
Moreover, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should scrutinize the corporate responsibility of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity concerning their articles of incorporation. We must determine whether the fraternity’s organizational structure has unintentionally enabled or promoted the continuation of hazing practices.
In the wake of this heart-wrenching tragedy, our nation must unite in the pursuit of justice and accountability. We cannot bring back Ahldryn Bravante, but we can ensure that his untimely death becomes a catalyst for change. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle the toxic culture that permits hazing, ensure institutions act against such practices and hold those involved accountable. Only then can we truly honor the memory of Ahldryn Bravante and prevent further senseless loss of life.
Tragically, Bravante’s passing marks the second within eight months, following the devastating death of John Matthew Salilig, a student from Adamson University. In February, Salilig, also a neophyte of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, suffered fatal injuries during his initiation, subjected to excessive paddling, with reports suggesting he endured approximately 70 strikes. His lifeless body was discovered in an empty lot in Cavite in February, further underscoring the urgent need for reform.
(ai/mnm)