The students of Adamson University have urged university officials to be transparent and hold those accountable for the death of their schoolmate.
John Matthew Salilig, a chemical engineering student at the university, was found dead in a shallow grave in Biñan, Laguna, more than a week after he was last seen alive. Authorities said they found bruise marks on his thighs that indicated he was likely hazed.
Adamson students urged university officials to “take bolder steps” towards the search for truth, and asked those involved in Salilig’s death to come forward and speak the truth.
“As a collective catalyst for change, security, and unity, we stand in solidarity with the family of the bereaved. We vehemently urge the University Administration to take bolder steps towards the search for truth. In justice for Matt’s cruel demise, we strongly urge the people involved to speak nothing but the truth about the incident. To speak ambiguously of his case only protects the offenders behind this heinous crime,” a unity statement by the university’s student council and organizations read.
“With different concerns from the parents of our fellow students, we demand accountability and transparency about this matter for the clarity of mind of the community,” they added.
Students also called on officials to tighten security measures within the campus and institute a verification process for organizations and groups within the university to protect students’ welfare.
They also asked the university to release a more comprehensive statement to prevent the spread of disinformation and false news surrounding Salilig’s death.
Before he went missing, Salilig informed his brother that he would attend the welcoming rites of the Tau Gamma Phi’s Adamson University chapter on Feb. 17. Both Salilig and his brother are already members of the Zamboanga chapter.
His brother told authorities that he did not stop Salilig from going as he knew nothing bad would happen to him. The family approached the Biñan police when he could no longer be contacted on Sunday.
A suspect now in police custody said that Salilig received at least 70 blows during the rites, and one of the fraternity members gave the order to dispose of the body.
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