Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 3) — Local police with jurisdiction over a suspected hazing death called on other victims to get in touch with authorities to avoid facing charges.
The Biñan, Laguna police said two other victims in the fraternity rites that killed Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig are considered suspects until they surface to authorities.
“Panawagan natin doon sa dalawang biktima na napalo din o nag-undergo ng initiation rites na pumunta dito sa ating police station at gusto natin ay mawala kayo doon sa listahan ng mga suspects,” Biñan chief of police Lt. Col.Virgilio Macedonia Jopia told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Friday.
[Translation: We call the two victims who were also hit or underwent initiation rites to proceed here at the police station because we want to remove you from the list of suspects.]
The victims may also be issued with a warrant of arrest if they fail to reach out to the police, he said.
Salilig’s body was found buried in a lot in Imus Cavite, and Roi Osmond dela Cruz, who survived with injuries, were named as two of the four victims of the initiation rites held by members of the Tau Gamma Phi (Triskilion) fraternity.
The Philippine National Police on Thursday identified the suspects as Lalan Hernandez, Christian Cruz, Earl Miguel Queaño Ursolino, Daniel Perry, Ralph Tan, Ryan Ray Camangyan, Carlos Miguel Rovillos, Aron James Cruz, Lester John De Lara Sus, and Arjay Bryle Arao. They remain at-large.
Jopia said Dela Cruz testified the Salilig, 24, and two others were beaten by a wooden paddle as part of the fraternity’s welcoming rites, while the neophyte was dripped with melted candle wax.
Authorities have filed cases for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 against six arrested members of the fraternity directly involved in the activity, Jopia said. One of the suspects is the owner of the house where the incident took place, he added.
