Sen. Bam Aquino condemned the death of a freshman law student due to hazing and stressed that we must put an end to the culture of violence in the Philippines.

 “We condemn in the strongest possible term, the unecessary death a promising 22-year-old student due to hazing. There should be no place in our society for violence and cruelty,” said Sen. Bam, referring to Horacio Tomas Topacio Castillo III, who was found dead in a sidewalk in Manila.

 The senator called on authorities to investigate the matter and put those behind this heinous crime behind bars so justice may be served to the family of the victim.

 “Hindi kalupitan ang nagpapalakas sa kapatiran. Mas marami pang paraan para mapalago natin ang samahan nang hindi idinadaan sa pananakit at pagpatay,” added Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam stressed the need for the strong and effective implementation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law to instill fear in fraternities and prevent them from crossing the line.

Passed in 1995, Republic Act No. 8049 criminalizes hazing and imposing penalties on persons who inflict injuries or cause death during the process.

 The law imposes the appropriately stiff penalty of Reclusion Perpetua for a hazing-related death, or imprisonment ranging from four years to 17 years, depending on the extent of the injuries of a victim.

 “Kailangan nating ipatupad ito at ipursige ang pagresolba sa mga naunang kaso ng hazing upang makitang seryoso ang awtoridad na masugpo at mapapanagot ang mga nagkasala,” said Sen. Bam.

 “Huwag natin payagan lumago ang kultura ng karahasan sa Pilipinas. Imbis na pagdurusa ng kababayan, respeto at suporta ang dapat nating hangarin para sa kapwa,” added Sen. Bam.