A suspect behind the hazing death of UST Faculty of Civil Law freshman Horacio Castillo III surrendered to authorities on Friday to clear his name.
John Paul Solano, a medical technology alumnus of UST who is on leave from studies in Civil Law, said he did not take part in the hazing rites of Aegis Juris Fraternity that killed Castillo, claiming that his participation only involved providing medical assistance.
“My participation was to give medical assistance,” Solano told reporters in a press briefing.
Solano turned himself in to Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina in the office of Sen. Panfilo Lacson in Taguig. Lacson will hold an inquiry into Castillo’s death on Monday.
He said he was sought by his fraternity brothers for help because of his background as a medical technologist.
“It’s getting worse. I want to clear my name. I know myself, I’m innocent,” Solano said.
Though he admitted that he is an Aegis Juris member, Solano said he was not in contact with his other fratmen.
Solano was initially named a witness in the case after he claimed to have found Castillo’s body in Tondo and brought it to Chinese General Hospital last Sept. 17, Sunday.
Solano said he was a part-time medical technologist at San Lazaro Hospital but did not mention that he was also a law student in UST.
He is facing perjury charges for giving false testimony under oath.
The Department of Justice issued a lookout order against Solano and 15 other members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity on Wednesday.
READ: Lookout order issued vs Aegis Juris fratmen
Others in the lookout list were Axel Munro Hipe, Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chang, Marc Anthony Ventura, Oliver John Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Jason Adolfo Robinos, Ralph Trangia, Ranie Rafael Santiago, Danielle Hans Rodrigo, Carl Matthew Villanueva, Aeron Salientes, Marcelino Bagtang, Zimon Padro, and Jose Miguel Salamat.
