DILG Secretary Demands Surrender in Fraternity Hazing Death Case
MANILA – Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has issued a direct appeal to the fraternity members implicated in the tragic hazing death of 19-year-old maritime transportation student Kenneth Alcedo, urging them to surrender to authorities immediately. The call came during a press conference held on Friday, March 6, 2026, where Remulla emphasized the gravity of the situation and the legal consequences awaiting those involved.
Suspects Named in Hazing Incident
Remulla publicly identified 14 individuals allegedly responsible for Alcedo's death, which occurred during initiation rites for the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Cavite. The suspects, as named by the National Government, include John Ferson Cabrera, Archie Rosil, Felix Martin Dala, John Rey Torrecampo, John Lee Tuilao, John Vicent Malipot, Niel Nicholas Rapatan, John Michael Jagonoy, Dar Sabilona, Zidane Manglanlan, Alias Mark, Gabriel Vergara, Kurt dela Cruz, and Alias Kenneth Ompod. According to Remulla, another neophyte who underwent hazing alongside Alcedo provided crucial identification of these individuals.
"They will be charged in court, their names will be submitted, and warrants of arrest will be issued against them," Remulla stated. "Now, I am appealing to those whose names I mentioned: surrender first rather than wait for us to go after you. For the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity as well, if you want to clear the name of your organization and your brotherhood, it would be better for you to surrender rather than for us to pursue you over this."
Appeal for Cooperation and Future Hope
In his remarks, Remulla highlighted the youth of the suspects, noting that many are aged 18 or 19, and stressed the importance of cooperation to potentially salvage their futures and the fraternity's reputation. "You are still young—18, 19 years old—and you still have many things you can do with your lives. If you cooperate and we resolve this properly, there may still be hope for your future. You may still be able to fix or repair the reputation of your fraternity," he added. The suspects are facing charges under Republic Act 11053, also known as the Anti-Hazing Law, which imposes strict penalties for such offenses.
Fraternity's Response and Pledge of Assistance
Tau Gamma Phi spokesperson Martin Asturias responded to the incident by affirming the fraternity's commitment to cooperate with the Philippine National Police in locating the suspects. "We gave them the commitment that we will assist them in all angles of the investigation. They already have the names. What we are doing here is finding their location, whether we can find them," Asturias explained. He acknowledged the challenges if the suspects go into hiding, stating, "Right now, if they go into hiding, we no longer control their actions. If ever we have them, then that is what we can provide. But, if they're in hiding and the leadership does not know where they are, then it will be hard for us to commit."
Asturias further clarified that the fraternity intends to expel the involved members, emphasizing that hazing violates their internal policies and expressing support for RA 11053. This stance underscores the organization's effort to distance itself from the incident and align with legal standards.
