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19 criminology students to file formal complaint vs. 5 hazing suspects in Kidapawan City

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The 19 criminology students — 14 males and 5 females — who allege they were hazed in reception rites at the Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC) in Kidapawan City in Cotabato are set to file formal complaints against five individuals who allegedly did it.CMC College of Criminal Justice Education Dean Rolando Demaulo Poblador confirmed preparations are underway for the filing of complaints against the suspects.“‘Yong mga statement nila, kinukuha na. So, most likely mamayang hapon or bukas first hour, ma-file na sa Office of the Prosecutor ng Kidapawan City,” said Dr. Poblador on Wednesday, August 27.(They are already giving their statements, so the complaints may be filed at the Office of the Prosecutor this afternoon or tomorrow morning)<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/8/26/19-students-sustain-burns-from-alleged-hazing-at-school-reception-rites-in-kidapawan-2035">19 students sustain burns from alleged hazing at school reception rites in Kidapawan</a></div>The victims sustained burns and wounds after allegedly being sprayed with battery solution mixed with vinegar and chili peppers.Dr. poblador said the suspects have also been harassing the victims, which has prompted the college’s administration to expedite its investigation.“[P]arang may ginagawa sila na brainwashing sa mga junior na huwag mag-file ng kaso. Sabi ko, hindi pwede ‘yan,” Dr. Poblador added.(It is like they are brainwashign their juniors not to file a complaint. I said they can&#x27;t do that)The grandfather of one of the students expressed his pain upon seeing his grandson’s condition on the news.“Masakit sa aking buot. Sa aking pakiramdam, kasi apo ko ‘yon, e,” he said.(It hurts me inside because that is my grandson)<div> </div><div>SCHOOL MAY REMOVE RECEPTION RITES</div>The CMC is considering removing traditional reception rites in future school activities.Reception rites often involve physical, mental and emotional stress to &quot;welcome&quot; cadets and students and to supposedly instilll discipline and camaraderie.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/7/army-chief-halts-reception-rites-for-new-soldiers-1738">Army chief halts &#x27;reception rites&#x27; for new soldiers </a></div>“Pero kung mayroon mang reception, ibang klase ng reception gaya ng mga activities na community service na lang siguro,”said Dr. Poblador.(If there is a reception, maybe we can do it differently and do activities like community service)The Kidapawan City Police said it supports the move, saying reception rites can lead to hazing, which can be fatal and is illegal in the Philippines.“Kumbaga ma-engganyo talaga ‘yong mga seniors na mang-haze sa mga intern nila, sir,” said Police Lt.Col. Dominador Palgan, officer-in-charge of the Kidapawan City Police Station.(It encourages seniors to haze their interns)Meanwhile, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri took to social media to condemn the incident, emphasizing that there is no honor in harming others and that violence has no place in academic institutions.“This is not brotherhood, this is not discipline. This is just pure cruelty,” Zubiri emphasized.He reminded the public that the Anti-Hazing Law clearly outlines the penalties for such acts.Those responsible could face reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years in prison) and fines of up to P3 million, the senator added.“Pero malinaw ang panawagan: Huwag ninyong protektahan ang mga gumawa nito, huwag ninyong pagtakpan. Justice must be swift and uncompromising,” Zubiri said.(So the call is clear: Don&#x27;t protect those who did this. Don&#x27;t cover for them)<script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABfkccX7QYAUXTn3"></script>

CMC College of Criminal Justice Education Dean Rolando Demaulo Poblador confirmed preparations are underway for the filing of complaints against the suspects.

CMC College of Criminal Justice Education Dean Rolando Demaulo Poblador confirmed preparations are underway for the filing of complaints against the suspects.

19 students hurt in alleged hazing in Kidapawan school to file complaints

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19 students hurt in alleged hazing in Kidapawan school to file complaints

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 27, 2025 08:48 PM PHT

|

Updated Aug 28, 2025 01:06 AM PHT

Read More:

Hazing

Anti-hazing Law

Kidapawan City

Central Mindanao College

Reception Rites

Kidapawan Police

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