DOJ Sec Remulla also ordered NBI to probe Cebu hazing — spox

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has also ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the alleged hazing of a student in Cebu, Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said Friday.

Clavano said Remulla directed NBI director Medardo De Lemos to look into the hazing of Cebu student Ronnel Baguio and Adamson student John Matthew Salilig on the same day.

“Kumbaga sabay po 'yung naging instruction ni SOJ to conduct an investigation with regards to the Cebu incident and the incident here in Manila,” he said in an ambush interview.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is planning to file complaints against the identified suspects in the alleged hazing of Baguio.

At the public briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said a witness appeared on Thursday and provided information regarding the incident.

"Yung kaso po ng hazing doon sa Cebu ay nangyari po yaan noong December 2022 subalit po nai-report yan a day after tumawag ang isang ospital doon sa ating station na sinasabing may possible victim ng hazing,” Fajardo said.

(The hazing case in Cebu happened in December 2022, but it was reported a day after a hospital called our station saying there was a possible victim of hazing.)

“Subalit hindi masyado umusad yung kaso na ‘yan dahil immediately tinransport po yung namatay na biktima sa kanyang tahanan dito sa Bataan at kahapon nga po nagkaroon ng magandang development dyan dahil isang witness po ang lumutang na nagsasabing mayroon po siyang alam at impormasyon dito sa nangyari dito sa biktima,” she said.

(But that case did not progress much because the body of the victim was immediately transported to his home in Bataan. However, yesterday there was a good development because a witness appeared and provided knowledge and information about the incident.)

“At kahapon po kinukuhanan na siya ng statements at within this week or if not today po probably early next week ay makakapagsampa na tayo ng kaso laban doon sa mga identify na suspects,” she added.

(And yesterday, we were taking statements from the witness and within this week or if not today perhaps early next week we will be able to file a case against the identified suspects.)

Baguio's mother on Thursday called for progress in her 20-year-old son's case during a press conference with the Public Attorney's Office.

Baguio passed away in December 2022 due to Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Secondary to Indirect Lung Injury, Acute Kidney Injury secondary to Rhabdomyolysis, and Acute Kidney Injury secondary to Rhabdomyolysis.

Meanwhile, Salilig’s body was found on Tuesday in a shallow grave in Imus, Cavite.

On Thursday, the Biñan City police filed complaints for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against six individuals linked to the death of Salilig.

According to Clavano, the Department of Justice is still waiting for the initial report from the NBI.

He said they also discussed how to strengthen the Anti-Hazing Law.

“I’m sure the secretary will be very cooperative if ever they were to ask or request for opinion from the DOJ with regards to strengthening hopefully this Anti-Hazing Law ho natin,” he said.—AOL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News