The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said it has launched a separate investigation into the death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig allegedly due to hazing.
“CHR Region IV-A has initiated its independent motu proprio investigation on this violent incident,” CHR said in a statement.
“The tragic death of John Matthew is a loss that should never have happened. It is a clear violation of the victim’s human rights and a failure of those responsible for their safety and welfare,” it added.
The Commission expressed condolences to Salilig’s family and loved ones, and called for justice to be served.
CHR called on the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other concerned agencies for “urgent” and “steady” efforts for the progress of the case.
For CHR, the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 should be implemented in a stronger manner.
“In a previous statement, CHR urged PNP, CHED, and school administrations to enact systems, policies, and mechanisms to put an end to the antithetical culture of hazing,” it said.
CHR also called on the public to speak out against hazing and refuse to participate in any hazing rituals.
It pointed out that hazing, “as a ritualistic act of humiliation and degradation, goes against the basic principles of fundamental rights and human dignity.”
“Its serious consequences against the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of individuals, most especially minors, should have no place in academic institutions.”
On Tuesday, the body of Salilig, a third year chemical engineering student at Adamson University in Manila, was found more than a week after he was last seen alive.
Biñan police said persons of interest whom they invited for investigation pointed to where Salilig had been buried.
A fraternity neophyte on Wednesday positively identified six persons of interest invited to the police station to give their respective statements regarding the incident.
Eight suspects are still at large, according to the police.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News
