The father of one of the suspects in the death of 24-year-old chemical engineering student John Matthew Salilig was arrested by authorities on Wednesday after he refused to be served of the search warrant.
According to Biñan City Police Station (CPS) Chief Lt. Col. Virgilio M. Jopia, the warrant was presented to Gregorio Cruz, the owner of the vehicle that carried John Matthew Salilig to a vacant lot in Imus, Cavite, where the student was buried and discovered.
However, upon arriving at the suspect's residence in Parañaque, the father reportedly stopped authorities from seizing the vehicle, which is under the name of his son Gregorio.
"Kailangan namin ‘yung ebidensya na ‘yun but he tried to intervene with our investigation, that is why we arrested him for obstruction of justice," Jopia said.
"Hindi naman sa kanya ‘yung vehicle… Mismong sa suspect, under his name. Nasa pangalan ng anak niya. Ayaw niyang ibigay kasi siya raw ang nagbabayad ‘nun. Eh in the eyes of the law, ang may-ari nun, ‘yung anak niya," he added.
At least 15 persons of interest were tagged in the brutal death of Salilig, the PNP said Wednesday.
They added that Salilig's body showed signs of hazing, citing the bruises found on his legs.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the administration of Adamson University says the university is conducting its own investigation and is already coordinating with authorities on the matter.
