Update On The Cris Anthony Mendez Murder Case
I’ve been calling the death of Cris Anthony Mendez a murder, it just seems like the only appropriate word to describe the hazing that led to his death, and the alleged involvement of Sigma Rho. A graduating public administration student from UP-Diliman, he had his whole life ahead of him. Here’s some updates regarding the case.
The Quezon City Police Department is eying 15 suspects who may have been involved in the hazing that lead to Cris Anthony Mendez’s murder. Those being investigated include the owner of the house where the alleged hazing took place, as well as frat members who took part in the hazing itself.
The Cris Anthony Mendez hazing/murder case is still receiving less fanfare than the Malu Fernandez controversy, and of course those who commented harshly against our stand against Manila Standard has yet to make a relevant comment here on Tingog.com
Yes, the same individuals who rallied behind Malu Fernandez for us to move on, is as silent as the individuals who were involved in Cris’ murder.
But, in any case, this seems to be the only update regarding The Cris Anthony Mendez death. There has also been a move to push a bill through legislation, that is being spearheaded by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. I often don’t see eye to eye with Senator Defensor-Santiago, but her stand on this issue is very much commendable, honorable, and the right one to make.
Miriam is vowing to file a bill that would outlaw fraternities and sororities under certain circumstances. The reasoning behind the bill is in line with our previous article regarding the Cris Mendez case and the argument of Freedom of Association. In our earlier article we have said that Freedom of Association does not mean a Freedom of violence. And that the said freedom of association is only valid if the association does not involve itself with illegal activities.
And in Miriam’s bill, the abolishing of certain fraternities can be made because these fraternities and sororities were made into existence under the agreement that they would abide by school policies and guidelines with regards to conduct and discipline.
I hope Miriam’s bill receives full support, as it is high time that Fraternities and Sororities be fully phased out, and give way to more civilized, democratic, and useful organizations that actually have the welfare of its members in mind.
And lastly, I would like to address an issue regarding Dr. Francisco Cruz, the Dr., who along with other individuals, brought the dead body of Cris to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. He recently gave his sworn statement to the Quezon City Police District on Thursday of last week. And it seems he is also pulling a Lintang Bedol and saying that he wasn’t hiding.
Yeah right, that’s why everyone left the hospital in a hurry, to tend to persona matters probably, huh? And why it took almost two weeks to issue a sworn statement is something that must also seem acceptable to Dr. Cruz. Honestly, these people really make me sick. Leaving Cris’ dead body at the hospital and driving off like cowards, issuing sworn statement only a week and half later, lawyering up almost immediately, and not having the courage to pay respect to the family of the dead victim.
Not hiding? Maybe he was on vacation.
It is indeed sad that this case is not getting as much (or more!) funfare than the Malu Fernandez controversy. It is even sadder to think that in spite of the anti-hazing law, young men still die under the guise of these so-called brotherhoods. I say enough is enough! Justice must be served to those involved in the murder of Cris Mendez! Aside from those accused, all U.P. Sigma Rho officers must be expelled from the University! They are in clear violation of the anti-hazing law which stipulates that they must inform school authorities when they conduct initiations and that there should be at least 2 school representatives present during initiation. Better yet, expedite the passing of the bill by Sen. Santiago so there would be grounds for abolishing erring fraternities like Sigma Rho!
It makes me honestly sick to my stomach to read all these articles on this event. But perhaps not for reasons that you would agree with. I don’t believe you really know what happened at that hospital, and though you call Dr. Cruz a coward, would you not have also been afraid in his situation? Why is he being punished for trying to do the right thing when no one else could be seen stepping up to try and save Cris?
To make one thing clear: He did not abandon Cris Mendez at the hospital. This is a fabrication of the media for the effect of sensationalism, as is the case with almost all media.
I don’t deny that what happened was a terrible thing, and my heart goes out to the Mendez family for what happened, but so too does it go out to the Cruz family. They are good people.
You have no right to judge.
Liz, what exactly are you waiting for with regards to what happened at the hospital? They brought a dead body in, and instead of waiting for the police in order to make a statement so that an investigation could have probably been made at the soonest possible time, they bolted. It took almost two weeks for Dr. Cruz to issue a sworn statement. If there’s nothing to be hidden, why delay? I don’t know Dr. Cruz, but his actions ring loud and clear.
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And you say this is a fabrication of media? So you mean, Dr. Cruz stayed at the hospital after all?
Liz, how is it you know that Dr. Cruz did not abandon Cris? Where you there? If he did stay how come he was not able to give a statement immediately but instead waited until he was all “lawyered up.” I agree with the blogger. He is a coward. He wasn’t even man enough to give his statement himself, he had to send his lawyer himself. If Dr. Cruz and his family are good people, then they should do the right thing – help the Mendez family get justice.
Frat guys who indulge in hazings are sick and nothing more than a bunch of cowards. They are the types who would pee at the slightest sight of real, serious trouble. They hide behind twisted frat norms that allow them to beat up helpless neophytes. They cannot stand up as real, sensible men. That’s why they group themselves together, make up some dumb rules and mislead others to believing there’s something worthwhile in their organization. Well, there’s nothing in there but crap and I tell you fellow students: should some frat guys try to recuit you, kick their asses and tell them to paddle themselves to hell.
True. Frat boys are cowards. their objectives and ideals are as senseless as their brotherhood and violence. I was a college in UST and I watched frat against frat fight like it was a necessity. Some of my friends were hit of a pillbox which they set off. It was just senseless!
as of Dr. Cruz, I say rip him off his license. If he didn’t have anything to do with the hazing, and that the frat boys just went to him for help, he should have stayed in the hospital, called the police and gave his sworn statement that the body was brought to him for treatment but then he had to bring Cris to the hospital because he wasn’t showing vital signs. Dr. Cruz does not deserve to be called a doctor. He should be shifting his career to a undertaker.
To Liz: You must be related to Dr.Cruz or you must be somebody as rich as the family of Dr.Cruz. What if this happened to his son Mico, instead? Or to your own son, brother, nephew or somebody close to you heart? If indeed Dr.Cruz was a good parent, he would not have abandoned Cris at VMMC. He would have found a way of informing the police and contacting the parents of Cris. His being a consultant at VMMC would have facilitated matters. Responsible and caring parents would do just that, care for other kids other than their own especially if they happen to be the friends of their own children. The fact that Cris was with his son Mico that fateful night, then they must have been friends. Thanks to media, poor kids like Cris will have mileage; otherwise, his case will just be a statistic.