Murder charges have been filed against three suspects for the death of San Beda law student Marc Andrei Marcos from injuries he suffered during fraternity initiation rites in Dasmarinas City, Cavite.
But police are also considering including Angelito “Itan” Velus (not Ethan as earlier reported), father of one of the three accused and owner of the farm where the hazing took place, as a respondent in the case.
Superintendent Ulysses Cruz, Dasmarinas police chief, said charges were filed before the Dasmarinas City fiscals office against Gian Angelo Velus, a fourth year law student at San Beda-Alabang, and two helpers, Soledad Sanda and Marlen Guadayo.
The three were positively identified as among those who brought the mortally injured Marcos to the De La Salle University Medical Center late Sunday night. He died there Monday afternoon.
Cavite police director, Senior Superintendent John Bulalacao, said the investigation into Marcos’ death is now focused on the Lex Leonum Fraternitas, the fraternity to which Velus belongs.
Police are also looking for at least 20 other persons who witnesses said went to the Velus farm on Sunday.
Bulalacao said the witnesses heard people “shouting, laughing and some were moaning” from the right wing of the farmhouse.
Explaining the possible inclusion of the elder Velus among the accused, Bulalacao said the law holds the owner of a place where hazing took place also criminally liable.
The elder Velus has denied knowledge of the incident.
Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome has also directed the Cavite police to piece together the events leading to the fatal initiation rites after authorities obtained closed circuit television footage from a bar in Las Pinas City that showed Marcos drinking with Velus late Saturday night.
"‘Yun ang ating inaalam kasi merong pinanggalingang isang area sa (That’s what we’re trying to find out because they came from an area in) Las Pinas and apparently they left the place around 12 midnight but they arrived doon sa (at the) farm a little past 8 a.m. the following day. Therefore pinapa-check ko rin mabuti kung saan sila (I have ordered a check on where they were) in between Las Pinas and the farm. Where could they possibly be? Was that (time) used for travel alone from Las Pinas to Cavite? Or could they be in another place?" Bartolome said.
He said they will file more supplemental charges once more evidence surfaces.
Bartolome also appealed to the parents of the other suspects to give them up, assuring them of fair treatment.
source: interaksyon.com
