Grieving family, friends seek justice for John Matthew Salilig

“Inhumane.”

This is how the kin of chemical engineering student John Matthew Salilig described the alleged brutal hazing that led to his death, according to Marisol Abdurahman's report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

“Hindi makatao ang ginawa ng grupo na ‘to. I would say inhumane. Inabuso nila ang anak ko,” Jeofrey Salilig, the victim’s father, said.

“In the first place, when I saw the picture of my son kahapon when he was...kuwan, doon sa grave kung saan nila itinapon yung anak ko, talagang I was really hurt. Kagaya ngayon, kasi hindi makatao ‘yun,” he said. 

On Tuesday, the remains of John Matthew, a student at Adamson University, were found in a shallow grave in Imus, Cavite more than a week after he was reported missing.

Police earlier said his body showed signs of hazing, though they are still waiting for the result of the autopsy.

His family said they were saddened by the supposed involvement of members of Tau Gamma Fraternity, a group the victim’s two siblings were also part of.

“Mahirap, masakit, nakakagigil pero di ko nga mina-majority. 'Yung council, kung sino gumawa sa kanya, 'yun lang talaga inaano ko,” John Michael Salilig, the victim’s brother, said. “It’s not an ordinary person o students ang gagawa nyan... para maisip na gawin ang ganyan.”

John Michael was the last person John Matthew contacted last Saturday before heading off to the welcome rites of the fraternity’s chapter at the university. He said his brother's message did not worry him, as John Matthew was already a member of the chapter in Zamboanga.

Later that day, a dummy account messaged John Michael on social media.

“May specific name na sinabi. Doon daw ginawa ‘yung venue sa bahay, doon sa Biñan and then pagkatapos sa Biñan, OK pa. Pagkaalis, bumigay kapatid ko. Ang sabi tumirik. Around 2 a.m. inilibing na sa Cavite,” he said.

Zaid Bawari, the victim’s best friend, also demanded justice for the slain student.

“Parang isang animal na inilibing basta-basta. Hustisya talaga. Sana lahat ng mga suspek, sana managot,”  said.

Candlelight vigil

Meanwhile, students and teachers at Adamson University joined a candlelight vigil in memory of John Matthew, according to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras.”

A requiem mass was likewise organized for him as students offered condolences to the bereaved family.

“We condemn the violence. Siyempre, wala naman po talagang deserve na magkaroon ng ganitong situation, lalo na at estudyante. Kapwa estudyante po namin ang nasawi. We are just waiting po. Sana yung justice ay makuha na natin,” said Adamson Student Government president Patrick Patiño.

The university management previously condoled with the family and said they are coordinating with the authorities in the investigation.

It likewise called on students not to hesitate to seek help whenever they feel unsafe.

Chapters and members of Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity, including Senator Joel Villanueva, condemned the tragic incident.

“Nakakapanlumo po bilang miyembro tayo ng Tau Gamma Phi dahil hindi po ito parte ng paniniwala at ipinaglalaban ng fraternity,” said Villanueva. 

“Hindi po nasusukat ang tibay ng samahan at kapatiran sa hazing o iba pang uri ng karahasan,” he said. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News