A twisted brotherhood

Republic Act 8049 also known as the Anti-Hazing Law of 1995 was implemented 28 years ago and after one conviction after numerous hazing-related deaths the law was updated with harsher penalties and measures, hence the Republic Act No. 11053, or Anti-hazing law 2018. But after all that, another life was taken due to this heinous tradition. This begs the question — is the law really doing something to put an end to all these brutalities? Or maybe the law is now fit for another evaluation.

Traditions of initiation appear to be timeless as different cultures around the world observe such practices. In the Philippines, we frequently equate them with military service or Greek organizations on college campuses, promising assistance, belonging, and support when needed. But what happens when the promise of camaraderie results in the death of someone in the group known as a member of that family?

John Matthew Salilig, a student in chemical engineering at Adamson University, is the latest victim in a long string of hazing deaths. Only 21 years old, he passed away on Feb. 18 in Laguna as a result of blunt force trauma suffered after participating in a fraternity's hazing ritual that was meant to be a ceremony to officially welcome him into a group of "brothers.”

According to witnesses, the fraternity members continued to beat Salilig even after he had puked due to their repeated assaults. He passed away while being transported back to Metro Manila. The frat boys decided to bury his body in Cavite to hide their traces but the body was eventually found on Feb. 28.

Salilig's death at the hands of his purported fraternity "brothers" reminds everyone that hazing is still an issue in many Philippine institutions, including universities.

What happened to Salilig was not only awful but entirely unnecessary. One does not go to college to endanger his or her life. Yet, why did it have to happen? Simply because he embraced an organization that made a final pledge of brotherhood.

Despite Republic Act No. 11053 of 2018, stating hazing is considered to be illegal and punishable by law as a form of initiation that is deliberately done to inflict physical and psychological damage to an individual through some forms of abuse, humiliation, and degradation.

In previous similar incidents, we grit our teeth to condemn, pass judgment on, or even question a law that appears to be toothless. Multiple hazing incidents are still taking place and the death of Salilig validates the fact that loopholes within anti-hazing laws are being exploited.

Hence, the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity, to which Salilig was seeking membership, established an underground branch at Adamson University despite the university's ban on fraternities. This may have potentially made belonging to what amounts to a secret society fashionable and thrilling.

Salilig's experience was a severe example of hazing. Not every organization hits its members with a paddle 70 times. Whatever punishment the fraternity receives, they deserve it. But before society assigns blame for hazing to all collegiate institutions, it must first take a hard look at itself.

Undoubtedly, not many people would consent to be mistreated, lowered, or humiliated without justification. The primary reason they take part is not because of the hazing per se, but rather because it is essential for joining a fraternity.

As social animals, humans naturally have the desire to belong to a group and support an endeavor that is greater than themselves. The fraternity can also elevate the members' career opportunities due to the vast connection it offers.

Despite the fact that hazing is against the law, many fraternities and organizations still engage in it without hesitation. It has already been established that the law alone will not be sufficient to stop this problem.

Why are we introducing yet another social element that might increase the problem's ubiquity? The law couldn’t protect Salilig and many other victims from different fraternities. It makes more sense to change the Anti-Hazing Law of 2018 in order to address the current problem. Look for a strategy to close the gaps it has.

It is a culture that promotes the essence of power more than it promotes the culture of discipline and brotherhood. Several fraternities and military institutions, like the Philippine Military Academy, that uphold the tradition of hazing, are creating this culture. Life is liberty, and one can foster loyalty, fidelity, and brotherhood in various ways that don't jeopardize their ability to live fulfilling lives.