Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 14) — Two of more than two dozen suspects in the hazing death of an Adamson University student last February have been arrested, police said Friday.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Thursday arrested Justin Fontanilla, 20, and Armando Hernandez, 21, both residents of Cavite, for violating the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
The two were allegedly involved in the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity’s initiation rites in Biñan, Laguna on Feb. 18 that was attended by chemical engineering student John Matthew Salilig.
Salilig was reported missing on the day of the initiation rites. Ten days later, his body was found buried in a vacant lot in Cavite.
\”The CIDG along with the other law enforcement units and agencies are on the frontline of ensuring that all involved in this case will be liable and justice for the victim and his family will be achieved,\” said PNP-CIDG Director Major Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. in a statement.
Caramat said Fontanilla and Hernandez were also listed as among the most wanted persons in Calabarzon.
In a resolution on March 13, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it found probable cause to formally charge seven members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity and other suspects who remained at large for violation of the anti-hazing law over Salilig’s death. It listed 31 respondents in the case.
The DOJ said the respondents \”planned and actually participated in hazing\” Salilig and other recruits of the fraternity \”by way of paddling.\”
The complainants were \”able to establish that the injuries sustained by Salilig led to his death,\” it added.
CNN Philippines is trying to get the comment of Fontanilla and Hernandez, or their lawyer.
