Before the case of John Matthew Salilig, whose body was found in a shallow pit in Cavite, an engineering student at the University of Cebu is also believed by his family to have died in hazing by the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.
In Chino Gaston’s report on GMA News “24 Oras” this Thursday, he identified the deceased as Ronnel Baguio, a 2nd year engineering student.
According to Ronnel’s mother, Lenny, on December 18, the only child called her to say he was dizzy, vomiting, and had difficulty breathing.
It is said that Ronnel was taken to the hospital by his dorm mates but also died.
In the autopsy performed on the victim’s body, bruises and wounds were allegedly found on the back of his two thighs.
His death certificate shows that the cause of his death is severe acute respiratory distress secondary to indirect lung injury, acute kidney injury secondary to rhabdomyolysis, and rhabdomyolysis secondary to multiple physical injuries.
According to the report, rhabdomyolysis is when proteins and electrolytes from damaged tissues or muscles enter the human blood.
Ronnel’s mother asked for help from the Public Attorneys’ Office to file charges against those who hazed her son.
Student in Cebu dies of hazing during Tau Gamma Phi initiation rites in December 2022
The evidence being prepared includes Ronnel’s last cellphone messages. It is said that the victim’s conversation with a school instructor who is also a member of the fraternity can be seen here.
Atty Persida Acosta, PAO chief, said they had identified only one person who can be charged.
According to the report, the school management is still trying to get a statement.
It can be recalled that the family’s search for Salilig ended after several days after someone pointed out where his body was buried in Cavite.
It is said that Salilig, a student of Adamson University, died after being unable to bear the ordeal of hazing by the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity he belonged to.
Tau Gamma Phi has a strong presence in many universities and colleges in the Philippines, and it has been recognized for its contributions to various philanthropic and civic causes. The fraternity has also been involved in controversies over hazing incidents and has been accused of engaging in violence and criminal activities.
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