An 18-year-old student was killed during a suspected fraternity hazing incident in Barangay San Anton, Nueva Ecija, on the night of September 29.
According to a GMA News report, Ren Joseph Bayan, a Grade 11 student from Barangay San Pablo, was discovered dead after allegedly undergoing initiation rites for the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity.
His aunt, Jennifer Bayan, reported that Ren informed her earlier that day about participating in the final stage of the fraternity’s hazing.
At approximately 5 p.m., two neighbors, Baron Cabado and Patrick Guinto, who are believed to be fraternity members, transported Bayan’s body back to his home.
In a Facebook post, San Pablo National High School – Jaen, where Bayan attended classes, extended its condolences to the victim’s family.
“The San Pablo National High School community mourn the loss of our Grade 11-TVL student Ren Joseph Bayan,” the school stated in Tagalog.
“The SPNHS extends its since condolences to his bereaved family as well as our intense prayers for him to rest in peace with our Lord.”
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Bayan’s death and are urging witnesses to come forward with any information related to the event.
The report of another victim falling to hazing surfaced after a Manila court convicted 10 fraternity members involved in the 2017 killing of law student Horacio Castillo under similar circumstances.
