By Alec Go
Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture Chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian condemned the killing of Adamson student John Matthew Salilig due to alleged hazing.
In a statement on Wednesday, Gatchalian expressed alarm over continued hazing incidents despite the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Act as amended by RA. No. 11053.
“Isang buhay na naman ang nawakasan, isang pangarap ang nasira, at isang pamilya ang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay dahil sa umano’y insidente ng hazing na wala nang dapat lugar sa ating lipunan,” he said.
“One life lost to hazing is one life too many. Hindi na natin dapat pinalalagpas ang ganitong mga uri ng karahasan, lalo na sa ating mga kabataan,” he added.
Gatchalian stressed the need to “stay vigilant until justice is served and those involved are held fully accountable,” despite Adamson University’s investigation and openness to cooperate by the Tau Gamma Phi’s Triskelion Council of Imus City.
Gatchalian urged government agencies and partner institutions to ensure the implementation of the Anti-Hazing Act.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the killings among fraternities should be stopped.
“It saddens me that maraming pasaway,” he said. “Let me warn you that it is reclusion perpetua at dapat gawin ang tungkulin ng ating mga kapulisan.”
Adamson confirmed on Tuesday the death of Salilig after he was reported missing. His body was found in Imus, Cavite. With reports from Daniel Manalastas – gb
