THE SALILIG HAZING CASE AND CULTURE OF HAZING IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Salilig hazing case is a tragic reminder of the dangers of hazing in the Philippines. John Matthew Salilig, a 24-year-old chemical engineering student at Adamson University, was found dead in a shallow grave in Imus City, Cavite on February 28, 2023. He had been missing for 10 days, and his body was found with multiple signs of hazing, including bruises, burns, and cuts.

Salilig had been attending the initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity when he went missing. The fraternity has been suspended by the university, and the police have arrested six suspects in connection with Salilig's death.

The Salilig case is just one of many hazing-related deaths in the Philippines. In 2019, there were at least 14 hazing-related deaths in the country, and there have been at least 10 more in 2020 and 2021.

Hazing is a serious problem in the Philippines, and it is often associated with fraternities and sororities. However, it can also occur in other organizations, such as sports teams, schools, and the military.

Hazing is a form of violence, and it can have serious consequences, including death. It can also cause physical and psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you are being hazed, it is important to speak up and get help. You can contact the police, your school, or a hazing hotline. You can also seek help from a therapist or counselor.

It is also important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have been hazed, and there are many resources available to help you.

The Salilig hazing case is a tragedy, but it is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of hazing. We need to do more to prevent hazing, and we need to help those who have been hazed.