NBI ordered to probe alleged hazing death of Adamson student — DOJ spox

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the death of a chemical engineering student whose body showed signs of hazing.

“The secretary has already asked the NBI to conduct a parallel probe into the alleged hazing death,” Justice Department spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano said in a message to reporters on Wednesday.

Clavano issued the remark after the body of 24-year-old John Matthew Salilig, a student at Adamson University in Manila, was found on Tuesday in a shallow grave in Imus, Cavite.

Police earlier said Salilig’s body showed signs of hazing, though they are still waiting for the result of the autopsy examination.

According to Clavano, the Department of Justice condemns any violation of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law.

“However, we will await any case that will be filed before our prosecutors. Rest assured, any forthcoming case will undergo diligent evaluation,” Clavano said.

“If probable cause with reasonable certainty of conviction is found, we will prosecute the case until the perpetrators of this crime are finally brought to justice,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos also called for an investigation into the matter.

“Papaimbestigahan kaagad natin 'to at aalamin kung ano ang mga circumstances dito. Any forms of violence na ganto ang nangyayari, namamatay, dapat paimbestigahan natid kaagad ito,” Abalos told reporters in an ambush interview.

(We will investigate it immediately and look into the circumstances here. Any form of violence that leads to death should be investigated immediately.)

Fifteen persons of interest are being investigated, seven of whom took part in the Tau Gamma Phi welcoming rites for Salilig, police said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News