Master initiator in Salilig alleged hazing undergoes inquest proceedings

The master initiator of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity initiation rites for neophyte John Matthew Salilig in Laguna underwent inquest proceedings on Saturday at the Department of Justice in Manila, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB.

Charges have been filed against 23-year-old suspect Daniel Perry for violation of Republic Act 11053, or the anti-hazing law.

According to the report, Perry was accompanied and well-guarded by the Biñan City Police.

In an interview, Police Lieutenant Colonel Virgilio Jopia, chief of Biñan City Police, said Perry admitted to being part of the initiation rites that led to the death of Salilig.

"Natatakot siya sa mas kahihinatnan pa sa legal at the same time, nakokonsensya na lalo na noong natagpuan ang biktima," Jopia said.

(He was afraid of the legal consequences, and at the same time, his conscience was bothering him, especially when the victim was found.)

"Pinagtapat niya agad sa magulang niya hanggang lumapit sila sa kanilang vice mayor hanggang sumuko siya kay Gov. Remulla," Jopia added.

(He immediately confessed to his parents, and then they approached their vice mayor, and he surrendered to Governor Remulla.)

Prior to this, six persons of interest in the death of Salilig, an Adamson University chemical engineering student, underwent inquest proceedings on Thursday.

They were positively identified by a fraternity neophyte who said he was with Salilig during the initiation rites.

Based on the autopsy, Salilig’s cause of death was “severe blunt force in the lower extremities.”

Salilig's body was found in a shallow grave in Imus, Cavite on Tuesday, more than a week after he was last seen alive.

The grieving family and friends of Salilig described the alleged hazing as “inhumane” as they demanded justice for the chemical engineering student.

Several senators called for the full implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law after the death of Salilig, while the Public Attorney’s Office said it will not take on the persons of interest as clients due to conflict of interest as the family of Salilig has already approached them for help. —Jamil Santos/KG/VBL, GMA Integrated News