MARCH 10, 2026 — Six members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity have surrendered to police after the death of 19-year-old maritime student Mark Kenneth Alcedo in Cavite. The young man’s life ended on March 1 after initiation rites in Dasmariñas, where an autopsy later revealed blunt force trauma to his lower extremities. Doctors declared him dead on arrival at the General Trias Medical Center.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that four suspects — John Lee Tuliao, Archie Rosil, Kenneth Ompod, and John Rey Torrecampo — turned themselves in with the help of lawyers and fraternity representatives. 

“The four who surrendered were brought to the provincial director of the Cavite police yesterday,” Remulla said. 

He added, “I don’t have the full details yet, but they were part of the actual initiation.”

Two more members, both 19 years old, surrendered separately to local mayors in General Trias and Dasmariñas. Remulla stressed that the fraternity’s national leadership promised to surrender all those involved.

“They said they would surrender everyone. I gave them three days, and only two days have passed. Let’s see up to (today) if they will be able to surrender all the others. I’m glad they are cooperating, but (the surrender) cannot be done in installments,” he said.

Police have already filed charges of homicide and violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against 14 identified suspects and three unnamed individuals. Cavite police director Col. Ariel Red confirmed the filing before the Dasmariñas City Prosecutor’s Office.

Despite decades of legislation, hazing deaths keep surfacing in the Philippines. Every time, the script feels the same — shock, outrage, promises of accountability, and then another case months later. Fraternities, often seen as networks of brotherhood and influence, continue to wield power among students. But at what cost?

The surrender of these six members is a step toward justice, but it also forces us to confront the stubborn persistence of violent initiation rites. 

How many more young lives must be lost before the culture itself changes?

(Image: National Education Association)