SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has raised concern over the continued occurrence of hazing incidents despite the strict prohibition under the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 or Republic Act No. 11053.

Gatchalian made the statement following the death of 19-year-old maritime student Kenneth Alcedo, who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during an alleged hazing rite. Several members of the fraternity Tau Gamma Phi, which has been linked to Alcedo’s death, have already surrendered to authorities.

Citing the persistence of hazing cases, Gatchalian is now seeking a formal inquiry into how the anti-hazing law is being implemented.

The senator—one of the law’s co-authors and co-sponsors—said the probe should also examine the continued occurrence of hazing within government training institutions, including the Philippine National Police Academy and the Philippine Military Academy.

“Nakakalungkot isiping nangyayari ang hazing sa loob mismo ng sarili nating mga government institutions na dapat nagsisilbing mabuting halimbawa. Kung ang sarili nating mga institusyon ay lumalabag sa sarili nating batas, malaki ang ating problema,” Gatchalian said.

“I think this time we should also focus on our own government institutions. Hindi dapat nangyayari ito sa mga institusyong pinagkatiwalaan nating ipatupad ang batas laban sa hazing,” he added.