Roi Dela Cruz, the sole witness in the brutal hazing of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig, revealed more details on the night of their hazing rites last February 18 that led to the death of Salilig.
Speaking before the Senate panel on Tuesday, Dela Cruz, a neophyte who also underwent hazing with Salilig and two others, said that after their initiation rites on February 18 in Biñan, Laguna, they were brought to the house of another Tau Gamma Phi member alias Scottie in Parañaque to rest.
He said him and the two other Tau Gamma members who underwent welcoming rites were told to go inside the house. Salilig, however, stayed inside the blue Ford Everest vehicle.
Dela Cruz said he wanted to go to the vehicle where Salilig was staying because he wanted to get some air, and that's when he saw the latter's body being revived by the Tau Gamma members.
"Pagkababa ko po, dun na po nagsi-seizure si Matt. Wala na po siyang malay, sinusundot nila 'yung bibig until nung nawalan ng malay, inakyat nila sa kuwarto," he said.
When he suggested bringing Salilig to the hospital, the Tau Gamma members, particularly alias Bonez and Thugz, declined.
"Nu’ng nagse-seizure s'ya sa baba, nag-request po ako sa kanila na baka puwede dalhin sa ospital. Nagalit po sila sa akin, 'yung Bonez at tsaka 'yung Thugz, kasi bawal daw po yon," he continued.
He said that was the last time he saw Salilig, who at that time, was no longer responsive. Ten days later, on February 28, his body was found in a decomposing state in a vacant lot in Malagasang, Imus, Cavite.
According to Biñan Police chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Virgilio Jopia, suspects alias "Bonez" and "Thugz" are still at large.
Seven suspects who were involved in Salilig's death were present at the Senate hearing, including 23-year-old Daniel Perry, the master initiator during the hazing procedure.
