Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 3) — A person of interest in the suspected hazing death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig was found dead in his home, police said Friday.
The person was found lifeless in his house in Taguig City on Feb. 28, Biñan, Laguna police chief Virgilio Jopia confirmed to reporters.
Jopia said the case — which was coordinated with the Taguig police — was listed as a suicide.
“Kanina may kumoordinate sa atin para i-surrender ‘yung vehicle. And pinuntahan natin only to find out na patay na pala ‘yung person of interest natin last Feb. 28,” he told reporters.
[Translation: Someone coordinated with us to surrender the vehicle involved in the case. We went to the place only to find out that the person of interest already died last Feb. 28.]
Jopia said the person of interest — a 28-year-old alumnus of Adamson University — was driving another vehicle, which carried some fraternity members and another suspected hazing victim.
The police chief added that his parents were the ones who coordinated with the Biñan police to surrender the vehicle.
Several individuals, including members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, are facing charges following the death of Salilig — who went missing on the same day he attended the group’s initiation rites in the Laguna town.
The 24-year-old’s body was found buried in a lot in Cavite days later.
READ: Salilig death: Police see traces to back hazing
Meanwhile, the Biñan police also called on the other suspected hazing victims during the rites to surface and get in touch with authorities to avoid facing raps.
