THE PNP has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include in the immigration watchlist at least nine at-large suspects in the fatal hazing of Adamson University chemistry engineering student John Matthew Salilig last month.
Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr said nine members of the Tau Gamma Phi-Adamson University Chapter, who have yet to surrender, seemed to have gone into hiding.
“We already coordinated with the DOJ to put on the watchlist (at-large) suspects so that the (Bureau of) Immigration will be alerted just in case these people try to flee outside of the country,” said Azurin.
The PNP chief likewise said they are waiting for the resolution of the criminal charges that police probers have filed against
Tau Gamma Phi-Adamson University Chapter leader Tung Cheng Teng, Romero Earl Anthony, Jerome Balot, Sandro Victorino, Michael Lambert Ritalde and Mark Pedrosa.
The six suspects were positively identified by another hazing victim as among those who hazed Saliling during the initiation rites in Biñan City last February 18.
The witness, Roi dela Cruz, said he and Salilig were hazed together. Dela Cruz survived the hazing, but Salilig later died and was buried by fraternity members at a vacant lot in Imus, Cavite. His body was recovered by the police on February 28.
The third-year engineering student was laid to rest in his hometown Zamboanga City during the weekend.
The six, who were arrested last March 1, were charged with violation of the Anti-Hazing law, or Republic Act 11053 for the death of Salilig.
Another fraternity member, Daniel Perry, surrendered on March 2 though there was still no word if he had been charged.
Another suspect, identified only as alias Sakmal, committed suicide in Taguig City last February 28, police reported last Friday.
“We are just awaiting resolution of the case, if a warrant of arrest would be issued against the suspects in the incident that happened in Biñan and Cavite,” said Azurin.
Police investigators have said that there are still at least nine other suspects who remain at large.
CEBU HAZING
On the case of University of Cebu student Ronnel Baguio who also died after undergoing hazing in Cebu last December, Azurin said charges are due to be filed later yesterday or within the week.
Two witnesses, including a fraternity member who recruited the victim, have identified five suspects, also from the Tau Gamma Phi, in the hazing of Baguio.
Citing information from the Central Visayas regional police office, Azurin said: “They are going to file it (case) today and then one of the participants is cooperating.”
Meanwhile, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) yesterday deplored the continued prevalence of hazing and other initiation rites in the country.
In a statement, CEAP president Sr. Ma. Marissa Viri said they strongly oppose the continued practice of hazing and other violent initiation rites as it is not in accordance with the values and teachings of Catholic education.
“CEAP stands firm against hazing and other initiation rites and violence. We believe these acts have no place in our educational institutions and do not represent the gospel values of Catholic education,” said Viri, adding: “Such heinous acts not only endanger the lives of our students but also go against our mission of promoting solidarity and transformative Catholic education for our learners.”
Viri said they are hopeful that the case of Salilig will serve as a constant reminder on the need to be vigilant against hazing activities in learning institutions. “May this tragedy serve as a sobering reminder of the need for continued vigilance against all forms of violence and abuse in our schools,” she said.
In turn, CEAP said it is now more imperative for Catholic educational institutions to continuously promote a safe environment for all their students.
“We call on all CEAP member-schools to continue to promote a culture of respect, compassion, inclusivity, and Christ- Centeredness, where all students can feel safe and supported,” said Viri. — With Gerard Naval
