SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday underscored the imperative role of schools to protect students from the perils of hazing amid reports that another student died following initiation rites.

He said that under the anti-hazing law, schools are mandated not only to protect their students but also to launch information campaigns at the start of every semester or trimester targeting students and parents or guardians on the consequences of hazing.

“Taos-puso akong nakikiramay sa pamilya ni Aldrin Bravente. Kaisa ako ng pamilya sa paghahangad ng hustisya at nananawagan ako sa mga alagad ng batas na tiyaking mahuhuli ang mga sangkot sa pagkamatay ni Aldrin,” said Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

Police reports said Bravente underwent fraternity initiation rites in an abandoned house in Quezon City.

He died at the Chinese General Hospital where he was rushed. The police have so far arrested four suspects.

Gatchalian said that the anti-hazing law prohibits all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens’ army training.

The law imposes the penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3 million on those who planned or participated in hazing that results in death, rape, sodomy or mutilation.