HCDC 'mourns over the senseless death of Carl Anthony Gaudicos'

Below is the statement of Mr. Marlan T. Jose, Coordinator of Student Affairs of Holy Cross of Davao College, regarding Carl Anthony Gaudicos' death. Gaudico, a second year engineering student at HCDC, is the latest victim of fraternity hazing--- a "brutal expression of brotherhood." See Patay sa Hazing?

AS PER school policy (Student Handbook Disciplinary Measures #55), the school does not recognize fraternities and sororities inside the school campus. The school is not against students’ right to peaceful assembly but utterly against hazing. Pursuant to Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law, the school had acted on crack down of students who are members of existing fraternities and sororities outside the campus to sign a waiver promising not to be active nor recruit neophytes inside the school premises. Violation of this provision means exclusion or expulsion.

In this fateful moment, the school mourns over the senseless death of Mr. Carl Anthony Gaudicos. No words can appease the pain it brought to the bereaved family and the HCDC Community. Together we work hard in order to seek justice for his death.

The cycle of fraternity violence (hazing) will continue as long as there are fraternity and sorority members who recruit innocent first and second year students. Hence, a lesson should be learned from here. To all students, be vigilant and focus on your studies. Prevent falling prey to this brutal expression of brotherhood. Let us all follow the true spirit of Christian Brotherhood taught by Jesus Christ where love, peace and forgiveness abound.

To this end, the struggle against hazing is never ending. We denounce hazing as a means of brotherhood. The struggle is inside. Let us all together work for justice to our brother, Mr. Gaudicos!

Marlan T. Jose
Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs
Holy Cross of Davao College