NBI urged to investigate doc who supposedly refused to aid alleged hazing victim Salilig

Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday urged the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the physician who supposedly refused to give medical aid to alleged hazing victim John Matthew Salilig.

During a Senate hearing, Tolentino said that based on the affidavit of one of the five suspects in the Salilig case who voluntarily surrendered to the NBI, Ralph Benjamin Tan alias Scottie, the doctor had refused to assist Salilig.

“Nu’ng araw po na ‘yon, nung alas nueve ng gabi, ‘yung [kasama in Salilig na si] Lee ay sinundo ng kanyang pinsan na isa ring doktor. Buhay pa po nito si Matthew subalit tinanong ni Ralph Benjamin Tan si Lee kung pwede tumulong yung kanyang pinsan na doktor para asistihan si Matthew. Ang sabi po ng doktor hindi pwede,” Tolentino said.

"Inimbistigahan po natin ba ito, kung sino itong doktor na ito na tumanggi sumaklolo at magbigay ng medical assistance? Kaharap na niya ang naghihingalong si Matthew. Palagay ko po sa NBI dapat malaman natin kung sino ang doktor na ito. Ito po ay lisensyado ng [Professional Regulatory Commission], ito po ay medical practitioner. Wala po akong alam na doktor na hindi nagbibgay ng tulong sa nangangailangan pero ito kaharap niya na oh, ayaw niya," he said.

NBI agent Joseph Martinez, who took Tan's statement, said they are still trying to identify the physician.

"We are already trying to identify the person involved, the doctor. Apparently, si Ralph Benjamin Tan he cannot identify kung sino talaga yung doktor. So we are trying to pursue other information kung san po namin ma-identify yung doktor," Martinez said.

Tolentino suggested the NBI inquire through Lee. However, Martinez said Lee was not in their custody.

While the NBI agent promised further action on the matter, Tolentino said the doctor should be charged for violating the Hippocratic Oath.

The Senate Justice and Human Rights panel had terminated the investigation into Salilig’s death after two hearings.

During the first hearing, it was revealed that Tau Gamma members decided not to bring Salilig to the hospital after he suffered from a seizure during the fraternity's welcoming rites.

A report on "24 Oras" said the NBI is expected to issue new subpoenas in light of new details in the case.

"Aalamin natin ang kanyang pagkatao at iveverify sa PRC kung siya nga ay totoong doktor. Titingnan natin kung ano ang implication niya sa nangyari kay salilig," NBI spokesperson Giselle Garcia-Dumlao said.

The body of the 24-year-old Salilig was found in a shallow grave in Imus, Cavite, on February 28, ten days after he reported missing. — With Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News