A 24-year-old chemical engineering student of Adamson University who was reported missing since February 18 on Tuesday was found buried in a shallow grave in Imus City, Cavite.
Victim John Matthew Salilig, a resident of 955 General Solano Street, San Miguel, Manila, went missing after undergoing an initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi “Triskelion” Adamson University Chapter on February 18.
Police Regional Office 4A Director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said a report from the Laguna Police Provincial Office headed by Col. Randy Glenn G. Silvio showed the welcome rites took place at Muñoz Compound in Bgy. Casili, Biñan City.
Nartatez said that at least 15 suspects in the deadly initiation rites are being hunted. Five of them were identified as Tung Cheng Teng, 21, also a student from Canaynay Avenue, BF Martinville, Manuyo 2 in Las Piñas City; and an “Macoy,” “Loki,” “Slaughter” and “Lambert.”
Investigators are establishing the identity of the “master initiator” and the Tau Gamma members who inflicted severe beating on the victim causing his death.
Witnesses, including some frat members, provided the Laguna police with information that the suspects used a blue Ford Everest with plate no. NBG 5732 in going to the initiation venue with the victim. CCTV recordings in the area also led to the identification of the vehicle.
The SUV’s owner has been identified as a resident of Bgy. San Isidro, Parañaque City.
According to Nartatez, following coordination between the Laguna police and the Cavite PPO headed by Col. Christopher F. Olazo, the body of the missing Adamson student, who was believed to had received around 70 blows and paddle beatings in the body, was unearthed in a shallow grave at the back of Jade Residences Subdivision in Bgy. Malagasang 1-G in Imus City on Tuesday afternoon.
The victim’s body, which was already in an advanced stage of decomposition, was found buried in a vacant lot on the road going to the subdivision. The victim was positively identified by his brother. John Martin.
Members of the Provincial Forensic Team processed the crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation into the case. The victim’s body was taken to a funeral parlor in Dasmariñas City for an autopsy.
The Adamson University announced that it is conducting its own investigation into the incident as it expressed condolences to the family of the victim.
Authorities said the suspects in the deadly hazing case will be facing possible non-bailable charges for violation of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law and murder.
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