Task force created to strengthen implementation of Anti-Hazing Law

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MANILA — Malacanang has issued a memorandum circular for the creation of an inter-agency task force that will step up government’s response to fraternity-related violence and strengthen the implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law.

“President Aquino shares the concern of many parents and educators over the violations of the Anti-Hazing Law,” said Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., who signed Memorandum Circular 68 on August 28.

Ochoa said the task force seeks to address the need to ensure that there is justice for hazing fatalities and their families.

This, as despite the passage of RA No. 8049, otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Law, fraternity-related fatalities continue to occur, he said.

“At the same time, we have to look at whether the law can be improved so that its objectives are met,” Ochoa said.

The Secretary of Justice will lead the task force that will review and formulate policies, programs and guidelines to strengthen the implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law.

It shall develop modes of coordinating and monitoring of the implementation of programs, projects and activities to prevent hazing fatalities.

The task force chair may also give direct operational instructions to any member agencies, which include the Departments of National Defense and the Interior and Local Government, the Commission on Higher Education, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Youth Commission and the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs.