Police Probe Hazing Death of Maritime Student in Cavite

CAMP BGEN PANTALEON GARCIA, Imus City, Cavite — Authorities are investigating the death of a 19-year-old maritime student as a possible hazing incident, after he was found unconscious and later died at a hospital in General Trias City, police said Tuesday.

The victim, identified by police only as “KEN,” was brought to General Trias Medical Center in Barangay Manggahan around 2:11 p.m. on March 1, 2026.

Two men who arrived in a silver Mitsubishi Mirage told hospital staff he was involved in a hit-and-run, according to a police report.

After bringing the victim inside, the men fled without providing any identification.

Despite medical efforts, the student was pronounced dead at about 3:35 p.m.

An attending physician noted multiple bruises on the victim’s body, particularly on his thighs, which raised immediate suspicion of hazing, police said.

The victim’s father later identified him as a first-year student at a maritime school and a resident of Dasmariñas City.

An autopsy was conducted the following day, and police are awaiting official medico-legal findings to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigators traced the vehicle used to drop off the victim and have identified a suspect, alias “JM,” also a student at the same maritime school, as the vehicle’s user.

The car had changed ownership several times before coming into his possession, police said.

Police Provincial Director PCol. Ariel R. Red strongly condemned the incident and vowed a thorough investigation.

“No parent should ever have to face the pain of losing a child in this manner. If proven to be hazing, this is a betrayal of trust and a grave violation of the law,” Red said in a statement. “We assure the public that we are leaving no stone unturned in identifying and arresting all responsible individuals.”

Red emphasized that hazing is a criminal act and appealed to the public, particularly members of academic institutions, to cooperate with investigators.

“We urge anyone with relevant information to come forward. Justice for KEN will not be compromised,” he said.

Authorities are conducting follow-up operations to determine the full circumstances of the incident and the liability of all involved.