SENATOR Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Wednesday strongly condemned the hazing incident at Central Mindanao Colleges in Kidapawan City, where 19 criminology students suffered severe burns during initiation rites.

“This is not brotherhood, this is not discipline. This is just pure cruelty,” Zubiri said.

“Walang dangal sa pananakit ng kapwa, at walang puwang ang ganitong klaseng karahasan sa ating mga paaralan,” he added.

The senator stressed that those responsible must face the full force of the law, noting that the Anti-Hazing Law imposes penalties of reclusion perpetua and fines of up to ₱3 million for grave injuries.

He lauded Dean Rolando Poblador for swiftly stopping the initiation rites and urged the school to continue supporting the victims and their families as they consider legal action.

“Pero malinaw ang panawagan: huwag ninyong protektahan ang mga gumawa nito, huwag ninyong pagtakpan. Justice must be swift and uncompromising,” Zubiri said.

Calling for accountability, he said the case should set a precedent to end the culture of hazing that continues to endanger Filipino youth.

“We have to make an example out of this case. Para tuluyan nang mamatay ang kultura ng hazing na paulit-ulit na kumikitil at nagpapahirap sa kabataan, kailangan may managot sa insidenteng ito,” he said.