The police have identified 17 persons of interest in the killing of third year Adamson chemistry student John Matthew Salilig.
Seven of these individuals are under the custody of the Biñan City Police Station (CPS) for investigation.
“Iipunin natin lahat ng resulta ng forensic examination, lahat ng evidence, to include yung body ng victim, part ng evidence ‘yun, tapos statement ng witness,” LtCol. Virgilio Jopia of Biñan CPS said.
“We have a very tight case, airtight case talaga. Then ipa-file na natin ito sa korte agad para magkaroon ng disposition yung korte,” he added.
A police search warrant has already been served in the house of one of the persons of interest.
The Laguna Provincial Police Office (PPO) said the father of the person of interest resisted the search warrant, prompting authorities to seek a warrant from the court.
“Base po sa revelation nila, hindi sila makipag-cooperate kasi yun ang legal advice ng kanilang abogado na kung walang court order, hindi nila papayagan,” Laguna PPO Acting Provincial Director Col. Randy Silvio said.
He said the father tried to question the police’s action, resulting in his arrest for obstruction of justice.
“Itong sasakyan na ito ay nakapangalan sa person of interest na isang miyembro ng Tau Gamma,” he said, referring to the vehicle allegedly involved in the killing of Salilig.
“Noong Feb. 28, nagawa natin yung dokumento at nakapag-file po tayo ng search warrant,” he continued.
The vehicle was confiscated and will be subjected to forensic examination. However, the wooden paddle allegedly used in the initiation rites has yet to be located.
“Yung ating forensic group ang gagawa ng forensic examination. I know makakakuha sila rito ng specimen relative dun sa bini-build up na kaso,” Jopia said.
The person of interest was not at home during the serving of the warrant. The mother said she hasn’t talked to her son since the vehicle was returned to their house.
Lawmakers have already condemned the incident as they call for those who have information to cooperate with authorities.
A P500,000 reward has also been offered by the Office of the House Speaker to those who can give information that will lead to the arrest of those behind the killing. Report from Kenneth Paciente/AG – gb
