If you have heard the news, another person has been killed in what was supposed to be a ceremony to bring him into a group.
John Matthew Salilig, 24, who had been reported missing since February 18, 2023, was found dead in Imus, Cavite on February 28, 2023.
Accordingly, when he was found dead, his body was full of bruises on his lower extremities. As such, the authorities have concluded that Salilig was killed due to hazing.
By the way, what is hazing?
According to the dictionary, hazing is any action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Sometimes, it is called initiation.
What baffles me when hearing news like this is that, why do people tend to do such horrid acts on “accepting” someone to be a part of your group, or brotherhood? Why do they have to resort to such thing as to prove someone’s unwavering loyalty?
While it might be true that facing pain or undergoing pain, or suffice it to say, sharing pain with others, would make a cemented bond that is formed through that pain, it is outrageous when you are to undergo it purposely just to prove your loyalty or “bond”, or friendship with the people you want to hangout with; when they are inflicted by the same people that you want to make a bond with. It is nothing but a menace. A show of toxic masculinity, and insecurity.
What’s worse about this hazing scenario is that it gets worst. It has a way of becoming more violent and merciless. Because those who have experienced it would most likely want their revenge. Kon sa bisaya pa, di papildi or pa alkanse.
Thus, just a tip or two, especially to the youth, the next time you immerse yourself in joining a group that follows a barbaric belief that it is an absolute necessity to inflict violence inorder to achieve a bond, think twice, before it’s too late and your corpse might be the next one to be found. (AJDB)
