MANILA, Philippines — Adamson University has initiated an investigation into the death of a third year student whose remains were recovered in Imus City yesterday, over a week after he was reported missing.
The remains of chemical engineering student John Matthew Salilig, who hails from Zamboanga, was discovered after one of the suspects reportedly told the police where he was buried, an ABS-CBN News report said. He was identified by his brother.
“It is with great sorrow that we confirm the untimely passing of one of our students last Feb. 18, 2023 after the report of his disappearance. We are one with his family and friends in grieving this unexpected and unfortunate loss,” Adamson said in a statement.
“The university has conducted its own investigation and has cooperated with the authorities on the matter. Rest assured, we will not allow anything to come amiss,” it added.
Adamson urged the university community to refrain from sharing unverified information about the incident.
It also reiterated its commitment to ensure that the campus will remain a safe space for all students, teachers and other personnel.
“Let us rise together through this as one Adamson community in prayer, hoping fervently that we may all have strength in the wake of this tragic situation,” it said.
“The management encourages all Adamsonians to be mindful and vigilant of their activities whether inside or outside the campus. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office for Campus Security and Safety at css@adamson.edu.ph when feeling unsafe or uncertain. Similarly, our Office for Student Affairs is always open for concerns. You may reach them at osa@adamson.edu.ph,” it added.
Police have yet to release details regarding Salilig’s death. The 24-year-old student was reported missing last week by his family.
A missing person report filed on Feb. 20 said he was last seen by his family leaving their home in Muntinlupa at around 10 a.m. two days earlier.
Social media posts of the Adamson university student government later said that Salilig was seen wearing his uniform at a bus terminal in Manila around 10:26 a.m. on Feb. 18.
Hazing victim?
Meanwhile, the Tau Gamma Phi-Imus chapter issued a statement condemning the death of Salilig, whom it described as a “hazing victim.”
“This is a blatant violation of laws, especially Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing law. This is inhumane and against our beliefs as members of Tau Gamma Phi,” read the statement written in Filipino and signed by chapter officials.
“We are one with the family of the victim and the entire Tau Gamma Phi in calling for justice so that it will not happen again,” it added.
Salilig was reportedly a member of the fraternity’s Zamboanga chapter.
Cavite police director Col. Christopher Olazo said in a phone interview that even if Salilig’s body was in an advanced stage of decomposition, there were visible injuries on the student.
“Medyo iba ang kulay ng balat niya sa bandang hita (The skin on his thighs was discolored),” Olazo said in a phone interview.
A video clip over ABS-CBN News showed Salilig’s brother in tears after he identified the victim. – Emmanuel Tupas