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Tau Gamma Phi
ΤΓΦ
FoundedOctober 4, 1968; 56 years ago (1968-10-04)
University of the Philippines
TypeLeadership and Brotherhood
AffiliationIndependent
StatusActive
ScopeNational and International
Motto"A Triskelion firmly believes in the power of reason, not in the use of force as reason."
PillarsFortis Voluntas Fraternitas (Strength, Freewill and Brotherhood)
Colors  Gold and   Black
SymbolTriskelion (general)
NicknameTriskelions
Headquarters
Philippines

Tau Gamma Phi (ΤΓΦ), also known as Triskelions’ Grand Fraternity, is a fraternity established in the Philippines. Its members call themselves Triskelions.

Tau Gamma Phi is one of the largest fraternities in the Philippines in terms of membership.[1] It has a sister sorority, Tau Gamma Sigma (ΤΓΣ), also known as the Triskelions' Grand Sorority.

History

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The fraternity was founded on October 4, 1968, by students from the University of the Philippines Diliman.[2] Initially known as the "Order of the U.P. Triskelions", the organization later on changed its name to the "Order of the Grand Triskelions", then later "Triskelions Grand Fraternity" which was then changed into the Greek letter name Tau Gamma Phi, in line with other student fraternities.[3]

In 1969, the fraternity established a chapter at the Philippine Maritime Institute. This was followed in 1970 by chapters at FEATI University, Mapúa Institute of Technology, and National University, in 1971 with a chapter at University of Santo Tomas, and in 1973 with chapters at Adamson University and the National College of Business Administration.[4]

When martial law was declared on September 21, 1972 by President Ferdinand Marcos, some university organizations including Tau Gamma Phi became targets of military harassment, believing that these school organizations posed a threat to the Marcos regime.[citation needed]

With martial law hindering most of its activities, the fraternity faced a decline in recruitment. In 1975, the fraternity explored the idea of including younger members. Recruitment began in the high school sector with the Junior Tau Gamma Phi (also known as the Triskelion Youth Movement) founded at San Beda College–High School on February 7, 1974.[5]

The fraternity celebrated its 45th founding anniversary in 2013, with President Benigno Aquino III offering an official message of congratulations to the organization.[6]

Symbols

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The fraternity's colors are gold which represents "light" and black which represents "darkness". Its symbol is the Triskelion. Its pillars are ''Fortis Voluntas Fraternitas'' (Strength, Freewill and Brotherhood).

Chapters

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Main article: List of Tau Gamma Phi chapters

Controversies

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Hazing

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Although the fraternity has released a public statement declaring the organization has a "no hazing" policy, several hazing deaths allegedly linked to the fraternity have been reported.[7]

In a 2012 interview, Tau Gamma Phi founder Vedasto “Tito” Venida condemned the fraternity's practice of hazing, adding that the organization has already "taken so many innocent lives."[2] In 2015, after the hazing death of a Western Mindanao State University student, the fraternity released a statement calling on all chapters to abide by their fraternity motto Primum Nil Nocere or "First, Do No Harm" and commit to avoid violence related to hazing.[8] Despite the appeal, at least seven more hazing deaths have been reported since then.[9][10][11]

List of confirmed hazing deaths

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See also: List of hazing deaths in the Philippines

According to the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group, Tau Gamma Phi has the highest number of recorded hazing deaths among all Filipino fraternities,[12] with 19 deaths as of September 30, 2024.

Date of death Institution/Location Victim Notes
March 3, 2006 Technological University of the Philippines Clark Anson Silverio [13][14]
August 18, 2006 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa Dennis Africa [15][16]
January 28, 2007 Central Luzon State University Mark Rodriguez [15][17]
March 11, 2007 Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City Ronald Sequeña [18]
August 2, 2008 Enverga University Chester Paulo Abracias [19][20]
August 21, 2009 Holy Cross of Davao College Karl Anthony Gaudicos [13][21] (With Tau Gamma Sigma)
October 22, 2009 Lyceum of the Philippines University–Cavite John Daniel Samparanda [13][22]
October 27, 2010 DepEd Alternative Learning System Noel Borja Jr. [15][13][19]
September 15, 2011 Notre Dame of Tacurong College Nor Silongan [15][19]
June 28, 2014 De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Guillo Servando [23]
November 2, 2014 Southern Luzon State University Ariel Inofre [15][24]
September 30, 2015 Western Mindanao State University Anthony Javier [25]
February 16, 2020 Solis Institute of Technology, Bulan, Sorsogon Omer Despabiladeras [26]
November 16, 2020 Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City Joselito Envidiado [27][9]
March 20, 2022 Barangay Longos, Kalayaan, Laguna Reymarc Rabutazo [28][10]
December 19, 2022 University of Cebu Ronnel Masamoc Baguio [29][30]
February 18, 2023 Adamson University John Matthew Salilig [11][31]
October 16, 2023 Philippine College of Criminology Ahldryn Lery Bravante [32][33]
September 30, 2024 San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija Ren Joseph Bayan [34]

Rivalry with Alpha Phi Omega

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Tau Gamma Phi has been involved in several fatal clashes with long-standing rival fraternity Alpha Phi Omega (APO):

  • On August 30, 1977, UP Diliman student and APO member Rolando Abad was killed in a clash with rival members of Tau Gamma Phi.[35][36]
  • On February 21, 1994, Central Colleges of the Philippines (CCP) student Fernando Obrino, a member of Tau Gamma Phi, died at St. Luke's Medical Center after being mauled by four members of APO (also students of CCP) in Cubao, Quezon City.[37]
  • On October 24, 2004, police found the body of 33-year-old Ronaldo De Guzman on a bench outside National University in Manila. De Guzman was an elder of the Scouts Royale Brotherhood, which police identified as the youth arm of Alpha Phi Omega. Witnesses reported four gunmen, who were identified as members of Tau Gamma Phi, threatening the younger members before shooting De Guzman three times in the face.[38]
  • On March 20, 2008, a grenade targeting members of Tau Gamma Phi exploded in front of La Consolacion College Manila, leaving 22 people injured. Police blamed fraternity rivalry as the motive behind the explosion, but initially refused to identify the perpetrators' organization.[39] On November 9, 2010, then-justice secretary Leila de Lima tagged APO as the culprit in the grenade attack.[40]
  • On December 18, 2009, San Sebastian College student and APO member Cromwell Duka, Jr. was fatally stabbed in the school cafeteria by fellow student Efrain Lim, a member of Tau Gamma Phi.[41]

Police investigators also believe that Tau Gamma Phi members were the intended targets of the grenade that exploded in the 2010 Philippine Bar exam bombing, that injured 47 people.[42] One member of Alpha Phi Omega was indicted for the crime.[43][44]

Rivalry with Alpha Kappa Rho

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Since 1990, Tau Gamma Phi's rivalry with Alpha Kappa Rho (AKRHO), particularly in Cebu, has escalated to the point where police and local government officials have intervened and organized peace talks several times between the two fraternities: in 2002 by the Cebu City government,[45] in 2005 by the Cebu provincial government,[46] and in 2006 by the Cebu Provincial Police Office.[47]

Documented cases of clashes and killings between the two fraternities include the following:

  • In 2003, the provincial vice president of AKRHO was murdered by alleged Tau Gamma Phi members along Sanciangko Street in Cebu City. Tau Gamma chapter president Jayber Oyon-Oyon was arrested in suspicion of the murder.[48]
  • On August 6, 2005, a Tau Gamma Phi chapter president was shot and killed by an unknown assailant in Lapu-Lapu City. Police tagged fraternity rivalry with AKRHO as the primary motive for the killing. Before the shooting, Tau Gamma Phi members were allegedly warned AKRHO was planning to kill someone as halad (sacrifice) for their anniversary on August 8.[49]
  • On August 28, 2005, a Tau Gamma Phi member was shot by a fugitive AKRHO member in Cebu City.[50]
  • On October 4, 2007, several alleged members of Tau Gamma Phi were killed and wounded in a drive-by shooting perpetrated by Aristotle Aves, whom the Cebu police have tagged as an AKRHO hitman.[51] Because the shooting coincided with Tau Gamma Phi's anniversary, police believe that it was in retaliation for a 2006 shooting incident that killed an AKRHO member during their anniversary celebrations.[52]
  • On June 5, 2022, Tau Gamma Phi fratmen shot and wounded a member of AKRHO after an altercation between the groups in Minglanilla, Cebu.[53]

Several other cases of Tau Gamma Phi and AKRHO members being murdered in Cebu have been documented, however, the identity of the perpetrators and motive could not be positively identified or have been intentionally withheld.[54][55][56][57][58]

Joel Villanueva
Ralph Recto

Notable members

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (March 3, 2023). "6 frat men yield; hazing case still 'not closed'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Geronimo, Jee (July 4, 2014). "FAST FACTS: Get to know Tau Gamma Phi". RAPPLER. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  3. ^ Cantes, Gerald (March 10, 2009). "Triskelion Antipolo Hills Community Chapter: BRIEF HISTORY OF TAU GAMMA PHI". Triskelion Antipolo Hills Community Chapter. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  4. ^ Cantes, Gerald (March 10, 2009). "Triskelion Antipolo Hills Community Chapter: BRIEF HISTORY OF TAU GAMMA PHI". Triskelion Antipolo Hills Community Chapter. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  5. ^ [1] Archived December 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Message of President Aquino to the Triskelions' Grand Fraternity and Sorority Canada National Council on the occasion of their 45th Founding Anniversary of the Tau Gamma Phi, October 4, 2013 | GOVPH". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. October 4, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  7. ^ "FAST FACTS: Get to know Tau Gamma Phi". Rappler. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  8. ^ Gonzales, Yuji Vincent. "Tau Gamma Phi pioneers condemn death of WMSU student by hazing". Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  9. ^ a b Alipala, Julie (November 16, 2020). "Senior high school student dies in Zamboanga City frat initiation". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Servallos, Ed Amoroso,Neil Jayson. "Student dies from 'hazing'". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 9, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ a b Bautista, Jane (March 1, 2023). "Adamson student found dead after fraternity 'rites'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  12. ^ Perez, Arra (March 2, 2023). "Families of other alleged hazing victims recount grief, urge end to violent practice". ABS-CBN News.
  13. ^ a b c d "Hazing deaths in the Philippines: A recent history". The Philippine Star.
  14. ^ A Day of Sorrow TUPians mourn on Hazing Victim’s Death
  15. ^ a b c d e "Deaths Caused by Hazing". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group. September 27, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  16. ^ "Stude patay sa hazing".
  17. ^ "10 frat members wanted in fatal hazing of CLSU student". January 30, 2007.
  18. ^ "19-year-old engineering student dies from hazing in Palawan". The Philippine Star. March 14, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  19. ^ a b c Inquirer, Philippine Daily (August 2012). "What Went Before: Previous hazing victims".
  20. ^ "Suspect in fatal hazing of Lucena freshman student nabbed". July 29, 2015.
  21. ^ "9 frat members sued for neophyte's death". SUNSTAR. April 16, 2010. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  22. ^ "SC Acquits Two Alleged "Fraternity Members" of Hazing". Supreme Court of the Philippines. October 27, 2021.
  23. ^ Reformina, Ina (December 2, 2014). "Tau Gamma members in Servando hazing indicted". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  24. ^ Serafica, Raisa (November 5, 2014). "Tau Gamma Phi tagged in Quezon hazing death". Rappler. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  25. ^ Larato, Vic; Toribio, Dan Jr. (November 2, 2015). "8 fratmen in fatal hazing case charged, jailed". Daily Zamboanga Times. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  26. ^ Senior high school student dies in Zamboanga City frat initiation
  27. ^ Sopriano, JP (November 17, 2020). "Neighborhood kuya killed in Tau Gamma Phi hazing, 12 nabbed". GMA News Online. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  28. ^ Gonzales, Cathrine (March 22, 2022). "Grade 12 student dies in alleged hazing in Laguna". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  29. ^ Peralta-Malonzo, Third Anne; Bustamante, Arnold Y. (March 2, 2023). "UC engineering student also dies from Tau Gamma 'hazing'". SUNSTAR. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  30. ^ Bustamante, Arnold Y. (March 2, 2023). "Police: Hazing victim's family has not returned to Cebu for case filing". SUNSTAR. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  31. ^ "Chemical engineering student dies in alleged hazing". ABS-CBN News. February 28, 2023.
  32. ^ Mangaluz, Jean (October 20, 2023). "Solons condemn hazing death of criminology student". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  33. ^ Chi, Cristina. "Another student dies from suspected Tau Gamma hazing rites". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  34. ^ Rita, Joviland (September 30, 2024). "Grade 11 student in Nueva Ecija dies in alleged hazing". GMA News Online. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  35. ^ "Casualties of frat-related violence in UP". GMA News Online. September 5, 2007. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  36. ^ "The Peace Rock Improvement Project". University of the Philippines College of Education. October 23, 2015.
  37. ^ "G.R. No. 128321". lawphil.net. March 11, 2004. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  38. ^ Etolle, Nestor. "Frat elder gunned down by rivals". Philstar.com. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  39. ^ "Police blame frat war for Mendiola grenade explosion". ABS-CBN News. March 20, 2008.
  40. ^ "Fraternity blamed for grenade attacks - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  41. ^ "Suspect: I'm innocent, and APO has no motive to bomb Bar exam". GMA News Online. October 29, 2010. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  42. ^ Pat C. Santos (September 28, 2010). "44 people injured in bomb explosion in La Salle, Manila". The Daily Tribune. Manila. Retrieved June 2, 2011.
  43. ^ Reformina, Ina (August 6, 2015). "CA affirms indictment of 2010 Bar blast suspect". ABS-CBN News.
  44. ^ Rappler.com (August 6, 2015). "CA allows filing of charges vs frat member in 'Salubong' blast". Rappler. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  45. ^ Borinaga, Ryan P. "Police getting ready for fraternity violence". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  46. ^ "Fraternity violence: Gwen warns frat for snubbing her". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  47. ^ "Loot meets with Tau, Akrho officials again". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  48. ^ Borinaga, Ryan P. "Police getting ready for fraternity violence". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  49. ^ Borinaga, Ryan P. "Frat chapter president killed in Lapu-Lapu". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  50. ^ "Tau Gamma "member" shot, fugitive Akrho man tagged". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  51. ^ Melecio, Edwin Ian. "Aves and Kin of victims face off: Akrho "hitman" faces 17 cases". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  52. ^ "Kin of drive-by shooting victims cry for justice". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  53. ^ Logrono, Guam P.; Lagunda, Kevin A. (June 5, 2022). "Tau Gamma fratmen shoot, wound Akrho member after disco in Minglanilla town". SUNSTAR. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  54. ^ Ugdol/GMR, Jojo C. "Akrho nga gipatay nailhan na". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  55. ^ "Tulo gipamusil, 1 patay". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  56. ^ Marantal, Romeo D. "Frat leader shot dead". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  57. ^ "San Fernando police review video footage to identify Akrho leader's gunman". SUNSTAR. April 12, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  58. ^ Mascardo, Iris Hazel. "Cops now have persons of interest in frat leader's slay". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  59. ^ "DEFTAC Philippines". DEFTAC Philippines. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  60. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Fraternity, List Of Popular Celebrities Who Are; Members, Sorority (December 4, 2017). "List Of Popular Celebrities Who Are Fraternity, Sorority Members". Philippine News. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  61. ^ a b Triskelion Handshake by Bro. Eumir Marcial and Bro. Senator Joel Villanueva at the Senate, archived from the original on December 21, 2021, retrieved October 17, 2021
  62. ^ De la Paz, Christiane L. (January–February 2017). "Lito Mayo's Alternate Reality". Arte De Las Filipinas. Archived from the original on December 30, 2017.
  63. ^ John B (September 15, 2007). "Bro. Manolito 'Lito' Mayo a Future National Artist". Thomasian Triskelion. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014.
  64. ^ "'Pure evil': Senators condemn death of student by alleged hazing". ABS-CBN News. March 1, 2023.
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