THE UNIVERSITY has dismissed claims it was indifferent toward the death of hazing victim Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, following criticisms of the school’s response to the tragedy.
In a statement on Oct. 20, UST sought to correct what it claimed was an “inaccurate portrayal” of its efforts to assist in the probe into the death of Castillo, a Faculty of Civil Law freshman who went through the brutal hazing rites of Aegis Juris Fraternity last Sept. 17.
UST said a committee was formed by Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. to conduct an internal investigation. It did not disclose the names of the committee members, however.
“[O]n first day that the news broke out, the University manifested its grief, offered prayers, and conveyed its profound sympathy to the family of Horacio,” the statement read.
Dagohoy vowed last Oct. 18 to improve the rules of the University regarding fraternities and sororities.
“Our first concern is actually to complete the investigation so we would be able to impose the just and reasonable penalties according to our student handbook. And after that, we would actually…look into the improvement of the policies and procedures of the University regarding these fraternities and sororities. I think it is high time for us to look into the rules,” Dagohoy told the Varsitarian.
Coordination
In its statement, UST pointed out that it had coordinated with the Manila Police District and National Bureau of Investigation, “which led to the identification of the members of the fraternity and possible perpetrators of the crime.”
UST said it also allowed representatives of the Legal Education Board and the Commission on Human Rights to monitor the proceedings of its investigation despite limitations under the Education Act and the Data Privacy Act.
Jose Luis Martin Gascon, the human rights chief, said the commission would monitor the police investigation into the hazing case.
“We send an investigation team and we monitor… whether or not if the state authority, police and [other] ultimately correctional facilities [will] bring justice to this case. What we are all concerned about is ensuring justice is delivered,” he said in a forum at the Ateneo de Manila last Sept. 29.
Aligan hits Escudero
In a press briefing on Oct. 19, Sen. Francis Escudero hit the University administration for its supposed silence on Castillo’s death.
“Mula nang nangyari [`yung pagkamatay ni Castillo], wala pa akong narinig na opisyal ng UST na nagsalita sa kasong ito…sila pa dapat ang nangunguna sana para magbigay ng tama at magandang ehemplo lalo na sa pagpapaharap sa panagutan ng sinumang liable sa krimen na ito,” he said.
Sen. Miguel Zubiri criticized Divina for his supposed lack of support to the probe into Castillo’s death.
“[Divina] promised [to help in the speedy justice of the Castillo case] and yet not one of the [Aegis Juris fraternity] members has come out to support this case… It’s unfortunate, you should’ve done more,” Zubiri said in a Senate hearing last Oct. 18.
Arts and Letters Regent Fr. Rodel Aligan, O.P. lashed out at Escudero on Facebook for grandstanding at UST’s expense.
“Where was Escudero when the different student councils of UST offered Mass and condolences and condemned the death of Horacio? Where was Escudero when the Political Science Forum held vigil almost every night seeking for justice? Where was Escudero when the representatives of the UST administration officiated in the Funeral Mass of Horacio? This would include the vice-grand chancellor of UST and provincial of the [Dominican Province of the Philippines],” he said.
“By the way, where were you during the death of Atio? Did you do anything by virtue of your clout as senator? The last time I saw you was during the Star Magic ball of ABS-CBN hobnobbing with movie stars,” he added.
De la Rosa defends Divina
Former UST rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa meanwhile defended the beleaguered Civil Law dean.
“It is unfortunate that this happened during the term of one of the most God-fearing and effective deans of the UST Faculty of Civil Law. He sacrificed immensely to promote his students’ welfare, maintaining discipline, and uplifting the academic standards of the faculty,” de la Rosa was quoted as saying by the “One with Nilo” Facebook page.
“He even spends his meager salary and a large part of his earnings from private practice for scholarship grants, continuing faculty development, and activities that will promote solidarity among his constituents,” he added. “Being a man of great faith and courage, [Divina] shall emerge unscathed from this hazing controversy.” with reports from Ianna Gayle S. Agus and Daphne Yann P. Galvez
