Jay de Castro, a former deputy director of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) who, during his time at UST, was a students’ rights advocate, died on Feb. 11 following cardiac arrest. He was 68.
De Castro, a UST communication alumnus, led the Fraternal Organization of the University of Santo Tomas, a union of Metro Manila-based fraternities advocating for students’ rights during the Marcos Sr. dictatorship.
His position in the organization led to his apparent abduction on Sept. 6, 1976, when Philippine Navy forces dragged him out of his psychology class. Students and former student affairs coordinator Herminigildo Ramos foiled the authorities’ attempt.
The Varsitarian had the chance to interview De Castro in September 2023 for a special report delving into the harrowing experiences of the survivors of Marcos Sr.’s military rule.
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“When there were hard and scary challenges (his profession and life choices exposed him to dangers), he faced them all courageously and protected those dear to him and those in need,” his daughter Joana told the Varsitarian.
Joana also remembered her father as a reliable and brave figure who raised his children to be the same.
“Tatay was our provider and protector. Walang imposible at nakakatakot para sa kaniya. He made sure everything was alright: food on the table, tuition, budget for medical expenses, vacations, and others,” she said.
“Our character, our values — and I realize this could be a making of his tendency to always want to be in control — he shaped them. I realize now that it was very intentional on his part to raise us to become strong, caring, independent, and brave individuals.”
After completing his bachelor’s degree at UST, De Castro studied law at Far Eastern University.
He practiced law before being appointed BuCor deputy director in 2022, in-charge of inmate reformation activities and administration of the country’s prisons.
“His legacy and leadership have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless personnel and improving the correctional system,” the bureau said in a Facebook post.
In 2003, he authored the book “At Tumestigo ang Asintado,” tackling the incidents leading up to the ouster of former president Joseph Estrada.
De Castro also wrote opinion for the tabloid paper People’s Tonight.
His wake will be held until Feb. 17 at St. Peter Chapels on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Interment will be held on the same day.
