AFTER a seven-year legal battle, the hazing case of UST law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III finally led to the conviction of 10 Aegis Juris fratmen on Oct. 1 for violating the Anti-Hazing Law.
However, Atio’s parents are demanding accountability beyond the fraternity.
Carmina Castillo, Atio’s mother, said the conviction underscored the need for UST to change its policies on fraternities and sororities.
“We believe the UST should make changes. We are holding them responsible for what they did to our son,” Carmina told reporters after exiting Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11 on Tuesday.
“It has been proven that Aegis Juris has been practicing hazing, and it’s time to check your policies and your laws in the school,” she added. “The University, the Civil Law department, the dean (Nilo Divina) himself, failed to protect our son.”
RELATED: Atio’s parents hope upcoming verdict will change UST policy on frats
The Manila court found the “Aegis 10” “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” of violating Section 4 (1) of Republic Act 8049 or the old Anti-Hazing Law, or hazing that resulted in death.
Mhin Wei Chan, Jose Miguel Salamat, John Robin Ramos, Marcelino Bagtang Jr., Arvin Balag, Ralph Trangia, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver Onofre, Joshua Macabali, and Hans Matthew Rodrigo face reclusion perpetua or lifetime imprisonment. They were also ordered to pay expenses and damages totaling P686,800.
“[A]ll the accused failed to present any credible evidence or disinterested witness to support their denial and alibi,” the decision penned by Judge Shirley Magsipoc-Pagalilauan read.
Former UST rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., formed a committee to investigate the case and vowed to deliver justice a day after Atio’s death.
RELATED: UST refutes claims of indifference
Eight law students were expelled from the Faculty of Civil Law after being found “guilty of violating the Code of Conduct and Discipline and imposing the supreme penalty of expulsion.”
In May 2018, the Office for Student Affairs directed fraternities and sororities to indefinitely “cease and desist” from recruiting members or “engaging in any kind of activities.”
As the institution responsible for the then-law freshman, UST failed to act as a “second parent” to Atio, Carmina said.
“The University failed as a second parent to protect my son from the crime of hazing,” she said. “Hazing is a practice. You’ve been recognizing this fraternity for so long and yet you failed to check, you failed to do your diligence.”
Responding to calls for accountability, Divina, an Aegis Juris alumnus, defended UST and the Faculty of Civil Law, stating that policies had always been in place to ensure student safety.
“I respectfully disagree with the statement of Mrs. Carmina Castillo that UST and the Faculty of Civil Law failed in their duty to protect her son,” he told the Varsitarian shortly after the release of the verdict.
“The University and the faculty have always implemented and upheld policies that promote the safety and welfare of all students,” he added. “Unfortunately, no institution is spared from the actions of individuals who choose to disregard these measures.”
Divina had faced charges over his alleged culpability in Atio’s hazing death but was cleared in March 2018 due to “insufficiency of evidence.”
Horacio Castillo II, Atio’s father, believed the conviction should prompt changes in UST leadership.
“I think it’s about time heads should roll in UST,” he said. with reports from Eduelle Jan T. Macababbad, Janica Kate J. Buan, and Hannah Joyce V. Andaya
