Bleeding, head trauma caused RR Rabutazo's 'hazing' death

Eighteen-year-old Tau Gamma Phi neophyte RR Rabutazo succumbed to subdural hemorrhage after he was hit by a blunt object on the head after initiation rites held on Sunday in Kalayaan, Laguna.

According to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras", the medico legal report indicated that the Grade 12 student suffered subdural hemorrhage secondary to blunt head trauma.

A fellow neophyte has said that Rabutazo finished the initiation rites at 9 a.m. on Sunday but fainted when he tried to stand up 30 minutes later. Members reportedly tried to revive him but he died hours later.

This developed as one of the officials of the group surrendered to Kalayaan police on Wednesday.

Kevin Perez, 22, would not make any say whether he was the master initiator nor would he comment about the incident.

Police Lieutenant Erico Bestid Jr. said they are still puzzled why the initiation happened in Barangay San Juan since Rabutazo and the others are from Bgy. Longos.

Bestid also said that the individuals involved were students and out-of-school youths.

“Kung may mga initiation na ganyan mag-coordinate sila by barangay. Taga longos po sila at Bgy. San Juan ang pinangyarihan. Doon pa lang parang may makikita ka nang pagkukulang o something to make it secret ‘yung initiation,” he said.

(If there are initiations like that, they will coordinate by barangay. They are from Bgy. Longos and it happened in Bgy. San Juan. From there, you will see that something is not right or something to make the initiation secret.)

Based on medicolegal report, Rabutazo died due to subdural hemorrhage secondary to blunt head trauma.

At least 23 fraternity members were present during the hazing rites, some of whom were their relatives, according to Remil Rabutazo, the victim’s father.

Maricar, the victim’s mother, condemned the hazing and urged other suspects to surrender.

“Masakit po talaga. Torture ang ginawa sa anak namin. Sana ‘yung mga magulang kung nasaan man mga anak nila ibigay alam na lang at huwag nang patagalin,” she said.

(It really hurts. What they did to my son was torture. I hope the parents will let their children surrender and not prolong it.)

Meanwhile, the other accused who remain at large are Kebry Gallero, Paolo Lakawkaw, Leo Zandro Duko, Wilson Maestrado, John del Ponce at Kris Jairo Kabiskwelas.

On Tuesday, Authorities arrested Reyvince Espaldon and Venzon Benedict Lacaocao. They were charged with homicide and violation of the Anti-Hazing Act. —Mel Matthew Doctor/GMA News