PNP vows justice for Adamson student who died of hazing
Published Mar 3, 2023 07:05 am
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday, March 3, that it will exhaust all means to deliver justice for John Matthew Salilig, an Adamson University student who died after allegedly undergoing initiation rites by the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.
The PNP extended its condolences to the bereaved family of Salilig as it expressed commitment to arrest all of the individuals involved in the hazing incident.
“All units of the PNP who are tasked to participate in the investigation were directed to collaborate, exert utmost effort, and maximize all available resources to immediately solve the case,” Police Col. Redrico Maranan, chief of PNP public information office, said in a statement.
The PNP also warned that it will not tolerate individuals who are trying to intervene with the police investigation.
“The PNP gives a stern warning to anyone, regardless of position or status in life, that the attempt to intervene and meddle in the conduct of investigation and prosecution of the said case will not be tolerated,” Maranan stated.
“The PNP will ensure the integrity of the prosecution of the case to bring justice to the family of John Matthew and to put the perpetrators behind bars as a consequence of their actions,” he noted.
The decomposing body of the 24-year-old, third year chemical engineering student was found buried in an open field in Brgy. Malagasang, Imus, Cavite on Feb. 28.
Police investigation revealed Salilig had attended “welcoming rites” conducted by the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Binan, Laguna before he went missing on Feb. 18.
Police said Salilig died from severe blunt force trauma which he sustained from at least 70 repeated blows to the body using a wooden paddle.
According to reports, there were 17 persons of interest in the case, seven of them were already taken into police custody. All of them are reportedly members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.