Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 20) — Authorities are tracking down a doctor who allegedly refused to provide medical assistance to Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig, who eventually succumbed to injuries due to hazing.
“We are already trying to identify the person involved, the doctor. Apparently, si Ralph Benjamin Tan, he cannot identify kung sino talaga yung doctor. So we are trying to pursue other information kung saan po namin ma-identify yung doctor,” National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Supervising Agent Joseph Eufemio Martinez said during a Senate hearing on Salilig’s death.[Translation: We are already trying to identify the person involved, the doctor. Apparently, Ralph Benjamin Tan, he cannot identify who the doctor really is. So we are trying to pursue other information where we can identify the doctor.]Tan and six other members of Adamson’s Tau Gamma Phi fraternity have surrendered to authorities, and will face criminal charges relating to the Anti-Hazing Law. Senator Francis Tolentino asked the NBI to identify and locate the doctor, after it was revealed that he failed to give medical aid to Salilig, despite the victim’s condition.“Apparently, yung isang suspect nagsalita siya na meron isa silang kasamahan na may pinsan na doktor doon, na noong halos naghihingalo na si Matthew ay hiningan ng tulong. Subalit yung doktor hindi tumulong,” Tolentino told reporters at the Senate on Monday.[Translation: Apparently, the suspect said that they have a colleague who has a cousin that is a doctor there. When Matthew was almost dying and his assistance was sought, the doctor refused to help.]Tolentino said he asked the NBI and the Philippine National Police to identify the doctor so that proper charges can be filed, citing that failure to render medical aid is a violation of a doctor’s sworn duty.In a Senate hearing, neophyte Roi dela Cruz recounted how he saw Salilig not feeling well after the initiation and welcoming rites of the group. He said he suggested to other fraternity members to bring Salilig to the hospital, but they refused.Tolentino asked the NBI to confirm if the doctor was present at the initiation venue. He also requested the Commission on Higher Education to check which school the doctor graduated from once he is identified.
