MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday recommended the filing of charges before the justice department against 20 officers and members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law over the death of Adamson student John Matthew Salilig.

Three fratmen were recommended to become star witnesses for providing information during the investigation, including 250-page screen grabs of the fraternity's group chat.

The NBI said it identified the fratmen involved in the planning of the initiation, the paddling of Salilig, and those involved in the transfer of his body to a vacant lot in Cavite, where he was buried and found.

The five persons of interest who surrendered to the NBI were also brought to the justice department, including an alias "Biggie," who insisted that he was only an invited guest in the welcoming rites.

• Person of interest in Salilig case surrenders to NBI
• 4 persons of interest sa Salilig case, sumuko sa NBI

On Wednesday, government prosecutors found probable cause to indict 7 Tau Gamma Phi fraternity members for 2 counts of hazing which led to the death of Salilig and the injury of another recruit.

In a press briefer, the Department of Justice said all 7 frat members "planned and actually participated in hazing the recruits by way of paddling."

• 7 frat members indicted for hazing over Salilig death, injury of recruit

The 24-year-old Salilig was allegedly hit around 70 times.

A medico-legal report from the Philippine National Police said Salilig died due to severe blunt force trauma to the lower extremities.

• TIMELINE: Alleged hazing death of Adamson student John Matthew Salilig

— With a report from Niko Baua, ABS-CBN News

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