MANILA, Philippines - San Beda law student Marvin Reglos died of kidney failure after sustaining several muscle injuries during initiation rites in Antipolo City last month, autopsy results revealed.
Dr. Alvin David, National Bureau of Investigation medico-legal division chief, said Reglos suffered rhabdomyolysis wherein skeletal muscle tissue breaks down rapidly due to a crush injury.
He said Reglos' skeletal muscle broke down after he was hit repeatedly on the legs and arms. The damaged skeletal muscle then secreted myoglobin or muscle protein, which caused Reglos' kidneys to fail.
"Kapag nakawala sa circulation ang myoglobin, damaging yan to the kidney. Yung filtering capability at yung waste material iikot lang sa system," he said.
The NBI official said Reglos likely experienced numbness, disorientation and loss of motor reflexes and sensory perception as his kidneys failed.
According to the affidavits of several witnesses, Reglos underwent initiation rites of the Lambda Rho Beta fraternity on the night of February 18 until early morning the next day.
They said Reglos was covered in bruises and had to be assisted by fellow fratmen because he could no longer walk properly.
Reglos was rushed to Unciano Medical Center in Antipolo City last February 19 but was declared dead on arrival.
Police have filed charges of murder and violation of the anti-hazing law against 10 Lambda Rho fratmen including the frat's Grand Rhoan Eduardo Escobal, who allegedly owned the car that brought Reglos to the hospital.
Medical help came too late
According to David, Reglos could have been saved if he had been brought to the hospital sooner or the same night that he underwent the initiation rite. He said Reglos would have been given diuretics intravenously to flush out impurities in his system.
"Madali lang ang management, hydration at diuretics, myoglobin exam," he said.
The results of the NBI autopsy matches the results of a similar autopsy by the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO) last month.
For now, however, police are still gathering evidence on those responsible for Reglos' death. Report by Maan Macapagal, ABS-CBN News