1 ETHICS (UNIT 1: The Ethical Dimension of Human Existence)
LESSON 1: Brotherhood or Violence
Reporters:
• Abayog, Thrisha Mae A. (BSA 1-2)
• Alcantara, John Bryan G. (BSA 1-2)
Learning Objectives:
• Identify the details of a report on a case of fraternity hazing;
• reflect on fraternity hazing as a real-world issue; and
• recognize the real-world issue as the context from which we begin our study of ethics.
Introduction
Fraternity is an organization of men who bonded together because of common
interests, professions, goals, and aspirations. Fraternities often serve as a support system for
their members, providing a sense of belonging and comradeship. However, to join a fraternity,
individuals must go through a process called "initiation rites" to prove their commitment and
loyalty to the group. These initiation rites can vary widely in their intensity and nature, but they
typically involve a series of rituals or challenges that test the individual's dedication and
willingness, such as participating in challenges that require physical endurance or completing
mental puzzles. Others say that the purpose of these initiation rites is to strengthen the bond
among group members and solidify their commitment to each other.
Across societies and time, people have initiated new members into groups through
ceremonies and rituals designed to foster a feeling of belonging. Yet sometimes those rites or
activities cross the line into hazing—behavior that is humiliating, dangerous, or even illegal
(Alfred University).
Hazing is the act of assigning someone to dangerous and/or humiliating activities as a
means of introducing them to an organization. Hazing involves a number of frequent activities,
such as verbal abuse, making someone dress strangely or do a humiliating act in public, eating
offensive foods, and consuming large quantities of alcoholic beverages. However, it can also
refer to beatings and other physical abuse that results in injury that is either temporary or
permanent, and even death. Although not all fraternities involve hazing, it remains a significant
issue that needs to be addressed and prevented. Over time, fraternity hazing has been a topic
of concern within universities and society as a whole. The Philippine National Police (PNP)
reported at least 178 hazing incidents since 2012, with the highest number being recorded in
2019. The Republic Act No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law was first enacted in 1995 following
the 1991 death of Lenny Villa, a student from Ateneo de Manila University. Despite this, the
practice of hazing still continues.
The death of John Matthew Torres Salilig is the most recent reported case of fraternity
hazing that happened on February 2023, here in the Philippines. A police investigation
determined that Salilig died from blunt force trauma as a result of the 70 blows he sustained
during the initiation. This case is somewhat similar to the case of Cris Anthony Mendez.
2 ETHICS (UNIT 1: The Ethical Dimension of Human Existence)
Case of Carl Anthony Mendez
In August 2007, newspapers reported what seemed to be yet another sad incident of
fraternity violence. Cris Anthony Mendez, a twenty-year-old student of the University of the
Philippines (UP), was rushed to the hospital in the early morning hours, unconscious, with
large bruises on his chest, back, and legs. He passed away that morning, and the subsequent
autopsy report strongly suggests that his physical injuries were most probably the result of
"hazing" (the term colloquially used to refer to initiation rites in which neophytes may be
subjected to various forms of physical abuse). What exactly happened remains an open
question, as none of those who were with him that night came forward to shed light on what
exactly had transpired. Needless to say, none of them came forward to assume responsibility
for the death of Cris.
Even as the leaders of the Sigma Rho fraternity publicly denounced the death of Cris,
those members of theirs who had been with him that night vanished, avoiding and refusing to
cooperate with legal authorities. Meanwhile, UP students and the general public clamored for
justice. In a move that surprised the student body, the UP chancellor called on all fraternities
to justify their continued existence. Meanwhile, the case of the tragic death of Cris Anthony
Mendez was left unresolved. It remains that way up to this day.
No one knows exactly what happened. No charges have been filed, no definitive
testimony has been forthcoming. But there is more to this for us than just a criminal mystery.
Pondering on the death of Cris, we may find ourselves asking questions such as, "What
is the value of one's life?", "What exactly were the wrongs Cris by his so-called fraternity
brothers?", or perhaps even, "Is there any good to fraternities?" These questions that concern
good and bad, or right and wrong—and these are questions concerning value—are the kind
of questions we deal with in ethics.
Conclusion
Fraternity is one word, and hazing is another. Not all fraternity practices involve hazing,
and not all hazing incidents are related to fraternities. However, it is important to address the
issue of hazing in all its forms. Hazing can occur in various settings, such as sports teams,
military organizations, and even workplaces. It is a dangerous and harmful practice that can
have severe physical and psychological consequences for the victims. Efforts should be made
to raise awareness about the dangers of hazing and to implement strict measures to prevent
it from happening in any context.
3 ETHICS (UNIT 1: The Ethical Dimension of Human Existence)
ASSESS
Consider the following questions:
1. In the story reported, what wrong things done are you able to identify?
2. What do you know about the possible forms-and consequences-of hazing?
3. Discuss with your classmates: what are the possible pros and cons-positive and negative
aspects-of holding on to fraternities and their traditions? Which aspects seem to carry greater
weight or importance?
4. Consider: Did you and your classmates agree or disagree with each other about your
answers in item number 3 above? On which points did you agree and on which points did you
disagree?
