Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 4) — Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig, an alleged victim of hazing, was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown in Zamboanga City.
Photos of his funeral and final mass were shared on social media by City Mayor John Dalipe, who attended the rites earlier in the day.
Salilig was buried alongside his grandfather who had died recently.
“[We] vow to help the Salilig family get justice for slain son, John Matthew,” Dalipe said in his statement.
Salilig — a chemical engineering major — was reported missing on Feb. 18, the same day he attended the initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Biñan, Laguna. Police said his body was found buried in a vacant lot in Imus, Cavite days later.
Several individuals, including members of Tau Gamma Phi, are facing charges following Salilig’s death, which has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of the anti-hazing law.
Biñan police said they are still waiting for 13 more persons of interest to surrender.
Meanwhile, the so-called “master initiator,” who was with Salilig the night before he died, also underwent inquest proceedings at the Justice Department on Saturday.
CNN Philippines correspondent Crissy Dimatulac contributed to this report.
