Hazing complaint vs. suspects in Salilig’s death submitted for resolution

The complaint for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against several suspects in the death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig was submitted for resolution, according to the Department of Justice's panel of prosecutors on Friday.
 
Tau Gamma Phi fraternity members Earl Anthony Romero, Jerome Balot, Sandro Victorino, Michael Lambert Ritalde, Mark Pedrosa, master initiator Daniel Perry, and grand triskelion Tung Cheng Teng attended the preliminary investigation hearing at the DOJ main office in Manila. 

Salilig’s family, as well as neophyte and complainant Roi Dela Cruz, were also present during the hearing.

According to the panel of prosecutors, Perry filed his counter-affidavit, while Romero reiterated that he submitted a sworn statement during the inquest proceedings.
 
Balot’s motion for an extension to submit a counter-affidavit was denied.

The rest of the respondents filed a motion for withdrawal of their request for a preliminary investigation, which ended at 6:57 p.m.

Meanwhile, an alias Bin Laden and an alias Lee, who were with Salilig during the welcoming rites, filed a hazing complaint against 19 individuals, including the seven respondents linked to the chemical engineering student’s death.

PI ends after almost 4 hours. Prosec says Salilig case submitted for resolution @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/YaoDvycPHj

— Joahna Lei Casilao (@joahnacasilao) March 10, 2023

Salilig's brother, John Michael, and Dela Cruz lodged a separate hazing complaint against 11 persons and an alias McGregor.

During the preliminary investigation, the prosecutors will determine if there is probable cause to file criminal charges against the suspects in court.
 
The body of Salilig, 24, was found in a shallow grave in Imus, Cavite, on February 28, ten days after he was reported missing.
 
At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, a witness said that Tau Gamma members decided not to bring Salilig to the hospital after he suffered from a seizure during the fraternity's welcoming rites.
 
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said six more persons of interest in the case wanted to surrender. — VBL, GMA Integrated News