SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian strongly condemned the reported hazing incident in Noveleta, Cavite, which left two minors injured. He called for accountability and the elimination of violence and abuse disguised as brotherhood.

“I condemn in the harshest terms the beating of two minors in a reported hazing incident in Noveleta, Cavite. There is nothing about these acts of violence and abuse that expresses solidarity and brotherhood,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

He emphasized the need to eradicate the culture of fear and brutality that hazing promotes, stressing that such crimes must not be tolerated.

“Dapat nating sugpuin ang krimen at kultura ng pananakit at pananakot, at hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi napapanagot ang mga may sala,” he added.

Gatchalian also expressed support for the victims and their families, echoing their call for justice.

“I stand with the victims and their families in their call for justice. Our schools and communities deserve to be free from the scourge of hazing,” he said.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident, with lawmakers and rights advocates renewing calls for stricter enforcement of anti-hazing laws.