DOJ indicts seven over fatal hazing of John Matthew Salilig, injuries to neophyte
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 4:27 p.m.) — The Department of Justice has indicted seven members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity for violating the Anti-Hazing Act over the death of John Matthew Salilig and over injuries sustained by neophyte Roi Osmund Dela Cruz.
Salilig was already a member of the fraternity but had attended "welcoming rites" at the Biñan chapter.
In a press briefer, the DOJ said they will file two separate criminal Informations or charges for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 against the following:
- Earl Anthony Romero a.k.a. Slaughter
- Tung Cheng Benitez a.k.a. Nike
- Jerome Ochoco Balot a.k.a. Allie
- Sandro Dasalla Victorino a.k.a. Loki
- Michael Lambert Ricalde a.k.a. Alcazar
- Mark Muñoz Pedrosa a.k.a. Macoy
- Daniel Delos Reyes a.k.a. Sting
"In finding probable cause against the respondents, the panel explained in its resolution dated 13 March 2023 that all of the above-mentioned respondents planned and actually participated in hazing the recruits by way of paddling," the DOJ said.
It added that the complainants were also able to establish that Salilig’s injuries led to his death.
Biñan City police arrested six of the respondents on March 1. The following day, another member of the fraternity surrendered to Cavite Govenor Jonvic Remulla.
They will be facing charges for violation of Section 14(a) and 14(b)(1) of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. The first provision seeks to punish those who planned or participating in the hazing, that resulted in “death, rape, sodomy or multilation” with the penalty of reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years imprisonment, and P3 million as fine.
The second meanwhile punishes those who planned and participated in the conduct of hazing with reclusion perpetua and a fine of P2 million.
The charges will be filed before the Biñan City, Laguna Regional Trial Court.
The decomposing body of Salilig, believed to be a victim of hazing by members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, was found in a vacant lot in Imus, Cavite on February 28.
The death of Salilig, who reportedly suffered 70 blows from a paddle, sparked calls for a review of the implementation of the anti-hazing law, which was amended in 2018 to impose stiffer penalties after the death of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Castilo III.
The DOJ has yet to release a full copy of the resolution.
More complaints
Dela Cruz, as well as Salilig's family, also filed separate complaints for hazing against 12 others who all remain at large.
Another set of complainants, Alexander Marcelo and Earl Justine Abuda, also filed hazing raps against seven indicted members and 12 others.
Both set of complaints, filed on March 10, have yet to be assigned to prosecutors who will conduct preliminary investigation to determine if these should be brought to court.
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