The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Thursday vowed to remain steadfast in its effort to end hazing and all forms of violence in all higher education institutions (HEI).
CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera III made the vow in a statement where he condemned the death of John Matthew Salilig, a third-year Chemical Engineering student from Adamson University, who died due to fraternity hazing.
"CHED strongly condemns hazing and all forms of violence in our institutions of higher learning. RA 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 was passed into law on 29 June 2018 to strengthen the enforcement of the Anti-Hazing law,” he said.
He lauded Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla for ordering the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a parallel investigation.
The CHED chairperson asked the police authorities to expedite the filing of charges against the remaining suspects.
He urged all higher education stakeholders, especially school, faculty, staff, and students to strive to put an end to the "culture of violence that continues to plague our institutions of higher learning."
Photo courtesy: CHED
Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it would conduct its separate investigation into Salilig's death.
"CHR calls for urgent and steady action from the government with regards to the progress of this case, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other concerned agencies," it said in a statement.
"It is crucial that duty bearers actively prevent and address hazing incidents, and hold accountable those who perpetrate them," it added.
CHR likewise condemned the brutal killing of the 24-year-old Adamson University student, saying that hazing is against the basic principles of fundamental rights and human dignity.
