Witness recalls asking frat bros to bring beaten Salilig to hospital: ‘Nagalit sila sa akin’

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig was having a seizure after supposedly undergoing hazing, according to a witness who prompted Tau Gamma Phi fraternity members to bring him to the hospital – but they allegedly said no.

Roi Osmond dela Cruz, a neophyte who was also purportedly subjected to the fraternity hazing, revealed this before senators on Tuesday as the upper chamber’s panels on justice and human rights and public order and dangerous drugs held a public inquiry into Salilig’s death.

READ: Senate probes Adamson student’s hazing death

Dela Cruz recalled that Salilig appeared dreary as he leaned on him when they were en route to the house of a certain Scottie in Parañaque City after the alleged fraternity hazing in Biñan, Laguna, on Saturday, February 18.

Roi Osmond dela Cruz, a neophyte who allegedly underwent hazing during the initiation rites of Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, speaks before senators during a hearing on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, by the Senate panels on justice and human rights, and public order and dangerous drugs on the death by hazing of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig. (Photo from Senate of the Philippines – YouTube)

He and Lee, another fraternity member who had reportedly undergone hazing, went inside the house, while Salilig stayed inside the car – a blue Ford Everest, dela Cruz added.

Moments later, he felt the urge to go outside the house to get some fresh air. As he reached the main floor, he said he saw Salilig having a seizure.

“Sinusundot nila iyong bibig until nawalan na ng malay, inakyat na nila sa kwarto (They were poking his mouth and when he later lost consciousness, they brought him upstairs,” dela Cruz narrated.

Dela Cruz said he had requested the frat men to rush Salilig to the hospital.

But, “Nagalit sila sa akin…si Bones at Thugz, kasi bawal daw iyon kapag ganoon daw (They got mad at me…Bonez and Thugz, because they said that’s prohibited given the situation),” dela Cruz told senators after being asked how his fraternity brothers responded to his suggestion.

“Bonez” and “Thugz” were among the 10 suspects in the death of Salilig. The two remain at large, according to Calabarzon police chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

READ: 17 face raps in Adamson student’s hazing death

Another suspect, identified only as Sakmal, died supposedly by suicide, while seven others – who were likewise present during the Senate hearing – are already under police custody and facing criminal complaints for hazing, he added.

READ: 2 Tau Gamma hazings now probed; frat man suicide bared

Senator Ronald dela Rosa then called on the police to thoroughly investigate the real cause of Sakmal’s death.

“Baka mamaya niresbakan na iyon ah. I-check natin talaga. Siguraduhin natin kung ano iyong circumstances. Paki-coordinate sa National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and please, update this committee,” he said.

(They might have just retaliated against him. Check this and clarify the circumstances. Coordinate with the NCRPO and please, update this committee.) — with reports from Denver Godezano, INQUIRER.net trainee

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