CAVITE, Philippines — A suspect in the alleged hazing death of a 19-year-old maritime student has surrendered to authorities, police confirmed late Tuesday.

The driver of the vehicle that brought Kenneth Alcedo, a freshman at PNTC Colleges in Dasmariñas, to a hospital in Cavite is now in the custody of the General Trias Component Police Police Provincial Station. Cavite Director Colonel Ariel Red said the suspect turned himself in after days of investigation into the incident.

Alcedo was rushed to the hospital last Sunday in a gray sedan with three other occupants. Two men accompanying him claimed he was a victim of a hit-and-run, but medical findings were consistent with injuries strongly suggesting hazing.

“The body of Kenneth Alcedo bore injuries that strongly indicate these were inflicted during initiation rites,” according to a report aired on GMA’s Saksi.

Police are now pursuing at least 15 other suspects believed to be involved in the fraternity initiation rites. Authorities have urged those present during the incident to come forward with the investigation and cooperate.

“Sana naman lumabas na kayo at mag-ano na lang kayo sa imbestigasyon,” the victim’s mother pleaded, appealing for accountability. National Police

The Philippines stressed that hazing remains a serious crime under the Anti-Hazing Act, which prohibits harm from initiation rites. Investigators who inflict physical harm are gathering evidence to determine the full extent of the harm and to file appropriate charges of fraternity’s involvement.

The tragic death of Kenneth Alcedo has reignited public outrage over hazing practices in schools and fraternities, with calls for stricter enforcement of the law and stronger protection for students.

Image from PNTC Colleges