Cavite:<Text>

Police have started pursuing individuals linked to the alleged hazing death of a 19-year-old maritime student in Cavite. At a press briefing on Wednesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o said 21 people were identified, nine of whom are considered suspects with direct participation. The rest are persons of interest.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief has instructed the immediate filing of cases against those in the custody of the PNP in General Trias. General Trias police chief Lt. Col. Bismark Mendoza mentioned that officers have so far visited five of the implicated individuals' homes. However, the individuals were not found at their given addresses, prompting ongoing hot pursuit operations.

Cavite police chief Col. Ariel Red stated that one suspect, the driver of a Mitsubishi Mirage that brought the victim to the hospital, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday night. The victim, Kenneth Alced o, was brought to a hospital in General Trias on Sunday by three individuals who initially claimed he was a victim of a hit-and-run. Red confirmed that Alcedo died of severe blunt force trauma to the lower extremities.

The hazing reportedly occurred in an open field in Barangay Langkaan, Dasmari±as, Cavite. Tua±o encouraged two other neophytes who underwent initiation rites to come forward and provide their own version of events to aid the investigation and ensure the proper filing of cases.

Authorities have not yet named the suspect in custody, nor have they disclosed the fraternity and school involved. Alcedo's father, Jun, expressed his determination to seek justice for his son's death, vowing to fight until the end, regardless of the obstacles they may face.