ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city government spearheaded a rally for justice and candlelight ceremony in honor of hazing victim John Matthew Salilig at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Stadium here on Thursday, March 9. MAYOR John Dalipe and Col. Alexander Lorenzo led the justice rally for John Matthew at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Stadium in Zamboanga City.  (Photo via Liza Jocson)
Dubbed “Unido na Justicia Para con Matt,” the program started with a video presentation of the life of the fallen student from this city. In a statement read during the program, the Commission on Human Rights Region 9 sought stronger implementation of the anti-hazing law to put an end to the unethical culture of hazing. It also asked for steady and urgent government action on the incident. “It is crucial that we actively prevent and address hazing incidents and hold accountable those who perpetrate them,” the CHR said. In a speech, Jeofrey Salilig, John Matthew’s father, said the call for justice is not only for his son but for other victims of hazing. Mayor John Dalipe said the city government joins the Salilig family in demanding accountability and justice from the perpetrators of “this heinous crime.” Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City police director, warned that similar acts of violence here will not be tolerated and “the full force of the law will be used.” “It is not only the law that we have to abide, but it is the right thing to do,” said Jasmine Teodoro, chairperson of the Zamboanga Council of the Greeks.