Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 3) — Local police in Laguna province on Friday bared traces of possible hazing related to the death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig.
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Source, Biñan town police chief Virgilio Macedonia Jopia said the house in Barangay Casile where the incident took place is owned by one of the six members of the Tau Gamma Phi (Triskilion) fraternity arrested on Thursday for Salilig’s death and injuries of complainant Roi Osmond Dela Cruz.
“Upon checking and visiting the house where the initiation was conducted, na-observe natin doon yung blood stains and other presence of like cigarettes and patak ng mga candle,” Jopia said.
[Translation: Upon checking and visiting the house where the initiation was conducted, we observed blood stains and the presence of cigarettes and candle drippings.]
He said the crime scene was isolated and still under construction.
The 24-year-old student was reported missing on Feb. 18, the same day he attended initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Biñan, the police said. His body was found buried in a lot in Imus, Cavite ten days later.
Asked if it can be established that Salilig was killed through hazing, Jopia answered in the affirmative. He said the police can say that the actions of the suspects were deliberate after they buried the victim’s body instead of bringing him to the hospital.
Citing the complainant, Jopia said three people were undergoing initiation with Salilig. The chemical engineering student and two others were hit by a wooden paddle as part of the \”welcoming rites,\” while the lone neophyte was singed with hot wax.
Authorities are still searching for the paddle used, which was allegedly burned, he noted.
Jopia said they will also file a case against the father of one of the suspects for obstruction of justice. Meanwhile, another person involved surrendered and is undergoing investigation.
