Marcos on Adamson student's death: Justice will be served

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed justice for John Matthew Salilig, the chemical engineering student who allegedly died of hazing, as he condoled with the bereaved family.

“I extend my sympathies to John Matthew Salilig’s family during this extremely difficult time and assure them that justice will be served,” Marcos said in a press statement.

Salilig’s body was 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.

An investigation showed the victim went through the welcoming rites of the Tau Gamma Phi chapter in the university on the afternoon of February 19. He was already a member of the chapter in Zamboanga.

The victim reportedly was no longer in good condition in the middle of the rites. The group was on its way back to Manila when the victim died.

Instead of bringing Salilig to the hospital, the suspects decided to bury him in Cavite.

Marcos denounced hazing activities in fraternities and other groups, saying that “it is not through violence that we can measure the strength of our brotherhood”.

“There should be no room for violence in our student organizations which our children consider family, and in our schools which they consider their second home,” he added.

The management of Adamson University previously condoled with the family and said they are coordinating with the authorities as regards the investigation.

Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil and requiem mass were conducted inside the campus in memory of Salilig.—LDF, GMA Integrated News