CIVIL Law Dean Nilo Divina, Faculty Secretary Arthur Capili and 63 others were placed under an immigration lookout order on Thursday, in connection with the probe into the hazing death of law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.
The order stated that the Manila Police District was able to gather information from a social media conversation that linked members of Aegis Juris fratmen to the death of Castillo.
“The MPD was in receipt of several information, particularly social media conversation, which were believed to be created by the Aegis Juris Fraternity alumni to discuss the ways, means and actions they’ll have to take regarding the criminal investigation,” the order read.
In a statement sent to the Varsitarian, the Civil Law dean said the lookout order was “an unfortunate but not [an] entirely unexpected development.”
“It is clear that I have no liability because I have no prior actual knowledge of the alleged hazing incident and I am not a party to any cover-up,” he said.
Dvina said he would comply with the DOJ order and said he remained confident that his name would soon be cleared.
“[I] am committed to fulfill my duties that require my presence. At the same time, I will not hesitate to challenge any act which transgresses my right. I remain confident that in time my name will be cleared and I will be vindicated,” he said.
A thread of Facebook messages between active Aegis Juris fratmen and alumni was revealed in the Senate hearing on Oct. 18, implying an effort to cover up Atio’s death.
READ: SENATE PROBE: Poe urges Divina to step down; Aegis Juris cover-up attempt bared
The order stated that some of the fraternity members were also alleged to have gathered at Novotel Hotel in Quezon City to discuss the case of Castillo in detail.
The NBI was instructed to obtain personal information of Aegis Juris members such as known aliases, dates and places of birth, copy of passports or passport numbers, and latest pictures.
“There is a strong possibility that [they] may attempt to place [themselves] beyond the reach of the legal process by leaving the country. We deem the issuance of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order [necessary in order] to at least monitor the itineraries of [their] flight[s], travel and/or whereabouts,” the order read.
Last Sept. 20, the DOJ issued a lookout order against members of Aegis Juris including Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Marc Anthony Ventura, Axel Hipe, Oliver Onofre, Joshua Macabali, Jason Santiago, Danielle Rodrigo, Carl Villanueva, Aaron Salientes, Marcelino Bagtang, Zimon Padro, John Paul Solano, John Miguel Salamat.
