ZAMBOANGA CITY – The body of hazing victim John Matthew Salilig arrived on board a military aircraft at the Edwin Andrews Airbase here on Thursday morning, March 2.
THE family of hazing victim John Matthew Salilig weeps as his remains arrive on Thursday, March 2, in Zamboanga City. (Mayor John Dalipe FB)
The remains of the 24-year-old Adamson University student were met by his family and relatives led by father Jeofrey; Mayor John Dalipe here, and city police chief Col. Alexander Lorenzo.
John Matthew’s body was brought to a funeral parlor here where it lay side-by-side with the coffin of his grandfather Romulo who passed away on Feb. 22.
In an interview, John Martin, John Matthew’s brother, said that they will bury him and their grandfather on Saturday, March 4.
Absent was Maripi, John Matthew’s mother, who cannot bear to look at her son’s body inside the coffin.
Jeofrey reiterated justice for John Matthew and hopes there will be no whitewash in the investigation.
He thanked President Ferdinand ‘’Bongbong Marcos’’ Jr. for vowing justice for John Matthew, saying it will bring light to the need to abolish hazing in fraternities.
John Martin was relieved and fulfilled that the body of John Matthew has been brought home.
“Somehow fulfilling lang (It is somehow fulfilling). After how many days, we were able to bring my brother home again,” said John Martin, adding, “We will make sure justice for our brother will be served.”