Family demands justice for 19-year-old maritime student killed in alleged hazing

Family demands justice for 19-year-old maritime student killed in alleged hazing
HERMES JOY TUNAC March 8, 2026 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/content/979183/family-demands...

Mark Kenneth Alcedo, a 19-year-old maritime student, died after allegedly undergoing violent fraternity initiation rites, which sparked renewed calls to strictly enforce the country's anti-hazing law.

According to Sunday's episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Alcedo, a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation student at the Philippine Nautical and Technological College in Dasmariñas, Cavite, was initially believed to be a hit-and-run victim.

However, an autopsy later revealed he died from "severe blunt force trauma to the lower extremities," indicating intense beating on his legs.

Alcedo sustained a hematoma with abrasion on the lip and a tooth fracture. He also suffered abrasions to his abdomen, fingers, knees, and toes, as well as a hematoma on his leg. A square indentation and chili seeds were also observed on his private part.

According to a Philippine National Police (PNP) investigation, the alleged hazing may have lasted up to six hours before Alcedo was declared dead upon arrival in a hospital in General Trias, Cavite.

The alleged hazing incident occurred in an open field in Barangay Langkaan, Dasmariñas, near several subdivisions.

The authorities traced the vehicle that brought him to the hospital and linked it to individuals allegedly connected to the fraternity Tau Gamma Phi, though they were not directly named by police in official statements.

Alcedo's mother, Gemma, mourned the loss of her son, describing the pain of seeing his body after the incident as unbearable.

"'Yung anak mo, makita mo na ganoon, parang ikaw na ang pinatay," she said.

[“When you see your child like that, it feels as if you were the one who was killed.”]

"Kinukumutan mo 'yan dito sa bahay, halos hindi mo padapuan ng lamok," she added. "Ang dami pang pangarap ng anak namin."

[“You tuck them in with a blanket here at home; you hardly even let a mosquito land on them. Our child had so many dreams.”]

Gemma said she could have accepted the situation if her son had been immediately brought to the hospital.

"Tanggap ko na kahit nabugbog ang anak ko, kung isinugod agad sa hospital, baka mabubuhay pa siya," she said. "Pero hindi nila ginawa."

[“I have already accepted that my child was beaten. If only he had been rushed to the hospital immediately, he might still be alive. But they didn’t do that.”]

In a statement, Tau Gamma Phi's leaders said the fraternity does not tolerate hazing and urged its members to follow the law.

Under Republic Act 11053, hazing that results in death is punishable by reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment, and a fine of up to P3 million.

Meanwhile, Alcedo's case has also reached the Senate, where Juan Miguel Zubiri called for stricter enforcement of the law.

"Hindi puwedeng puro statement lang, tapos mauulit na naman," Zubiri said. "This time, the response must be strict enforcement, real accountability, and prevention before another student is harmed."

[“They can’t just keep issuing statements, while the same thing happens again.]

The Philippine Nautical and Technological College also reiterated that fraternities and sororities are not allowed on its campus.

Despite their unimaginable grief, Alcedo's parents are determined to seek justice for their son, with his father Jun vowing to continue fighting for him.

"Ipaglalaban kita. Magiging happy ka diyan kapag natapos na ang kaso at mananalo tayo, anak," he said.

[“I will fight for you. You will be happy there when the case is over and we win, my child.”]

"Walang kasing sakit ang ginawa sa anak ko," Gemma added. "Walang kasing sakit."

[“Nothing compares to the pain of what they did to my child. Nothing compares to the pain.]

Out of the 21 personalities linked to Alcedo's death, the police initially said nine with direct participation are considered suspects, while the others are being treated as persons of interest.

The driver of the vehicle that brought the Alcedo to the hospital surrendered to authorities. The individual is a graduating student from the same school as the victim.

Hazing-related deaths in the Philippines date back to the 1950s, with around 70 recorded cases, including 17 from 2014 to 2024. —MGP, GMA Integrated News