Death of John Matthew Salilig

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Death of John Matthew Salilig
Candlelight vigil for Salilig at Adamson University on March 3, 2023
DateFebruary 18, 2023 (2023-02-18) (initiation rites and subsequent death)
February 28, 2023 (2023-02-28) (body discovered)
LocationBiñan, Laguna (initiation rites)
Imus, Cavite (body discovered)
CauseBlunt force trauma to the lower extremities
Participants18 (1 deceased)[1]
DeathsJohn Matthew Salilig
Accused
  • Earl Anthony Romero
  • Tung Cheng Teng
  • Jerome Balot
  • Sandro Victorino
  • Michael Lambert Ritalde
  • Mark Pedrosa
  • Daniel de los Reyes Perry

John Matthew Torres Salilig (December 1, 1998 – February 18, 2023),[2][3] a 24-year-old 3rd-year chemical engineering student from Adamson University, died on February 18, 2023, after undergoing fraternity initiation rites conducted by Tau Gamma Phi in Biñan, Laguna. His body was later found by the police in a shallow grave in Imus, Cavite, on February 28, 2023. A police investigation determined that Salilig died from blunt force trauma as a result of the 70 blows he sustained during the initiation. At least 18 individuals were implicated by the police in the death of the student; seven of whom were arrested, including an alleged master initiator.

Background[edit]

John Matthew Salilig
Born
John Matthew Torres Salilig

(1998-12-01)December 1, 1998
DiedFebruary 18, 2023(2023-02-18) (aged 24)
Cause of deathBlunt force trauma
Body discoveredFebruary 28, 2023
Imus, Cavite
Resting placeForest Lake Memorial Parks, Zamboanga City
Other namesMatt
EducationAdamson University
OccupationStudent

John Matthew Torres Salilig was a 24-year-old 3rd-year chemical engineering student from Adamson University.[4] He was based in Zamboanga City[5] and had seven siblings. He was a member of the Zamboanga chapter of Tau Gamma Phi. Two of his brothers, John Michael and John Martin, are also members of Tau Gamma Phi.[4] John Michael also underwent initiation rites but survived the hazing.[6]

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported at least 178 hazing incidents since 2012, with the highest number being recorded in 2019.[7] The Republic Act No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law was first enacted in 1995 following the 1991 death of Lenny Villa, a student from Ateneo de Manila University. The law was amended and supplemented in 2018 following the death of Horatio Castillo, a student from the University of Santo Tomas, in 2017. Despite this, the practice of hazing still continues.[8]

Circumstances and death[edit]

On February 18, 2023, John Matthew Salilig attended the initiation rites conducted by Tau Gamma Phi in an apartment in Biñan, Laguna, according to his brother.[9][10][11] He was then reported missing after.[11]

During the investigation, police obtained CCTV footage timestamped 10:30 am (PhST),[9] showing Salilig and the Tau Gamma fraternity members riding the bus to Biñan for the initiation rites on February 18, 2023 - the date when Salilig was last seen alive.[12] Another CCTV recording showed the SUV that was allegedly used to transport Salilig driving through the streets of Biñan, followed by the two riders on a motorcycle; one of them carrying a paddle which was allegedly used on the victim.[13] The paddle was nowhere to be found; however, the vehicle used to transport Salilig was in police custody.[14]

During the initiation rites, which took place between 1 pm to 3 pm (PhST), Salilig and two other neophytes suffered 70 blows to their bodies.[10] Salilig experienced stomach pain and soiled himself before turning pale and vomiting.[5][15] Fraternity officers reportedly poured candle wax on the neophytes and whipped them with a belt.[16]

The fraternity members then drove to a house in Parañaque. Upon arrival, Salilig was too weak to exit the vehicle.[17] He suffered a seizure and lost consciousness, whereupon he was brought into the house.[18][19] Other reports stated that Salilig was transported to an SUV, where he died while on the road from Biñan to Manila. Instead of bringing him to the hospital, the members decided to bury his body in a shallow grave in Imus.[17][20][21]

At this point, news of Salilig's disappearance became known to Adamson and Salilig's brother John Martin, who traveled from Zamboanga to Manila in search of his brother. On February 28, Salilig's now-decomposed body was discovered by the police, with John Martin present at the scene.[9][22][10]

The autopsy report stated that Salilig died from severe blunt force trauma to the lower extremities.[23][24] Salilig's remains were flown back to his home in Zamboanga City and interred at Forest Lake Memorial Park[25] on March 4, 2023, after a funeral.[15][26][27][28]

Suspects[edit]

The police tagged 18 persons of interest behind the hazing, with seven of them taken into police custody. 14 of them delivered blows to Salilig.[10] On March 1, the police arrested six persons behind Salilig's death, namely Earl Anthony Romero, 21; Tung Cheng Cheng, 22; Jerome Balot, 22; Sandro Victorino, 28; Michael Lambert Ritalde, 31; and Mark Pedrosa, 39.[29][30] A father of one of the suspects was also arrested for obstruction of justice[14] but he was released few days after.[31] On March 2, a seventh suspect named Daniel de los Reyes Perry was also arrested. Perry was said to be the master initiator.[23] With the arrest of seven persons, who are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act, the police declared the case as "solved".[15] However, 10 others still remain at large.[15] One person of interest, a member of Tau Gamma but not a student,[32] reportedly died from suicide on February 28 – the same day Salilig's body was found.[33][34]

Another Adamson student and neophyte fraternity member who underwent hazing alongside Salilig turned himself in to the Biñan police on March 1, where he positively identified six persons of interest. The neophyte said that Salilig was with him during the initiation rites.[13]

On March 3, the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public not to interfere with the investigation into Salilig's death.[11]

On March 9, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) publicly released the group chat messages of Tau Gamma, which detailed the circumstances prior to Salilig's death. On February 17, about 10 in the morning, the members and officers of the fraternity received a reminder about their meeting for the initiation of recruits. All members in the group chat were obligated to attend the meeting and day of welcoming rites. One member even threatened to expel those who did not attend. On February 18, the group arrived in Biñan at around 8:30 am. Later in the evening, the member started to express their anger when Salilig was not feeling well (although did not name Salilig in the chat). Before 9 pm, Salilig was brought to one of their houses, where they tried to revive Salilig who had lost consciousness.[35] After Salilig died, the members left the group chat the next morning.[35]

On March 15, the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted seven suspects involved in the death of Salilig.[36][37]

On April 12, all of the accused of the death of Salilig pleaded not guilty to hazing charges.[38]

Reactions[edit]

Students from Adamson University wore black on March 1, 2023, as a gesture of sympathy for Saliling's death.[13] The university stated that it held no liability for Saliling's death, as it did not condone fraternities or hazing and the incident took place off school premises.[39] Tau Gamma Phi – Imus and the Commission on Human Rights condemned the student's death.[40][41] House Speaker Martin Romualdez offered a ₱500,000 reward to anyone who could provide information that would lead to the arrest of the persons behind the hazing. Romualdez also condemned the hazing.[40]

The National Union of Students of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT-Teachers), and Senator Koko Pimentel urged the Philippine government to scrap the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) plan.[42] ACT Teachers described the proposed mandatory ROTC as "militaristic" and "violent", citing the death of Mark Chua in 2001.[43] Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Win Gatchalian – principal authors of the mandatory ROTC bill – objected to the proposal.[44] They added that there was no connection between the training program and the fraternity hazing that caused Salilig's death.[45]

President Bongbong Marcos expressed his sympathy for Salilig's death, stating that "justice will be served".[46]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "PNP seeks immigration lookout for other suspects in Salilig hazing case". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  2. ^ "Kapatiran o Karahasan - Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Special Report Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho". YouTube. GMA Public Affairs. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Note: Pause at 5:04 for his grave inscription.
  3. ^ "Labi ng umano'y hazing victim idineretso sa punerarya kung saan nakaburol ang lolo TV Patrol". YouTube. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 5, 2023. Note: Pause at 3:50 for his middle name.
  4. ^ a b Mallari, Delfin T. Jr.; Cabalza, Dexter; Alipala, Julie S. (March 2, 2023). "17 face raps in Adamson student's hazing death". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Tamayo, Bernadette E. (March 8, 2023). "Frat officers let Salilig die". The Manila Times. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  6. ^ Navallo, Mike (March 2, 2023). "6 fratmen face hazing raps over death of engineering student". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  7. ^ Peralta-Malonzo, Third Anne (March 1, 2023). "Police identify 17 persons of interest in hazing-related death of Adamson student". SunStar Manila. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  8. ^ "Hazing continues despite stronger law". GMA News. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Caparas, Jeff (March 8, 2023). "TIMELINE: Alleged hazing death of Adamson student John Matthew Salilig". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d Tupas, Emmanuel (March 2, 2023). "Adamson student suffered 70 blows". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c Pinlac, Beatrice (March 3, 2023). "PNP: No meddling in Adamson student's hazing death case, all-out probe underway". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  12. ^ "Suspect bares Salilig's ordeal in the hands of frat brods". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  13. ^ a b c Rita, Joviland (March 2, 2023). "Frat neophyte identifies 6 persons of interest in Adamson student's death". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  14. ^ a b "17 persons tagged in Adamson student's hazing death". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c d "Police consider case of Adamson student hazing death 'solved'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  16. ^ "Raps filed vs 6 fraternity members for fatal hazing of Adamson student". Malaya Business Insight. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Bordey, Hana (March 7, 2023). "Frat members rejected suggestion to bring Salilig to hospital —witness". GMA News. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  18. ^ Villaruel, Jauhn Etienne; Torres, Sherrie Ann (March 7, 2023). "Senators confront Adamson execs, frat member tagged in Salilig hazing death". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  19. ^ "Cops gather more evidence at site of fraternity initiation in Salilig case". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  20. ^ "Frat member na sangkot umano sa pagkamatay ni Salilig, natagpuang patay sa Taguig City". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  21. ^ Magsambol, Bonz (March 3, 2023). "Suspects in alleged hazing of Adamson student considered burning body – police". Rappler. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  22. ^ Galang, Bamba (March 6, 2023). "TIMELINE: The hazing death of John Matthew Salilig". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  23. ^ a b Navallo, Mike (March 3, 2023). "Prosecutors junk obstruction of justice rap vs father of fratman tagged in hazing case". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  24. ^ Bolledo, Jairo (March 2, 2023). "Hazing complaint filed vs 6 people tagged in death of Adamson student". Rappler. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  25. ^ "Hazing victim John Matthew Salilig, nailibing na sa Zamboanga City". YouTube. UNTV News & Rescue. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  26. ^ "Labi ng umano'y hazing victim idineretso sa punerarya kung saan nakaburol ang lolo". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  27. ^ "Top Zamboanga officials vow justice for John Matthew Salilig as body laid to rest". Rappler. March 5, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  28. ^ "Alleged hazing victim Salilig laid to rest". CNN Philippines. March 4, 2023. Archived from the original on March 5, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  29. ^ Calalo, Arlie O. (March 3, 2023). "6 tagged in Adamson student's hazing death; another fatality from Cebu bared". The Manila Times. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  30. ^ Patag, Kristine Joy (March 2, 2023). "Anti-hazing raps filed over Adamson student Salilig's death". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  31. ^ Carretero, Jose (March 4, 2023). "Father of fratman tagged in Salilig hazing case released". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  32. ^ Deña, Carla Bauto (March 3, 2023). "Person of interest tagged in Salilig hazing case died in alleged suicide". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  33. ^ "Driver of AUV in Salilig case found dead in Taguig". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  34. ^ Tupas, Emmanuel (March 4, 2023). "Fratman in hazing found dead". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  35. ^ a b "Group chat ng fraternity na may kinalaman sa 'hazing' ni Salilig isiniwalat". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  36. ^ Torres-Tupas, Tetch (March 15, 2023). "DOJ prosecutors indict 7 fratmen tagged in Salilig's death". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  37. ^ Maghanoy, Christian Crow (March 16, 2023). "7 to be charged in Salilig hazing-slay case". The Manila Times. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  38. ^ "Fratmen linked to Salilig hazing case plead not guilty". GMA News. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  39. ^ "Adamson University not liable for Salilig's hazing death - prof". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  40. ^ a b Magsambol, Bonz (March 1, 2023). "Police tag 15 persons of interest in alleged hazing death of Adamson student". Rappler. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  41. ^ Cabico, Gaea Katreena (March 2, 2023). "CHR, NBI to conduct probes into Adamson student's hazing death". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  42. ^ "Youth group: Scrap ROTC plan after Adamson student's hazing death". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  43. ^ "Dela Rosa sa pagbasura sa ROTC revival bill kasunod ng Salilig hazing: 'Anong koneksyon nun?'". YouTube. UNTV News & Rescue. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  44. ^ Bordey, Hana (March 3, 2023). "Pimentel backs call to scrap mandatory ROTC bill after Salilig's death; Bato, Win defend measure". GMA News. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  45. ^ "No link between ROTC and Salilig hazing death: solons". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  46. ^ Locus, Sundy (March 1, 2023). "Marcos on Adamson student's death: Justice will be served". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
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