On October 1, 2024, the Manila Regional Trial Court convicts ten members of the Aegis Juris fraternity for the hazing death of Horacio ‘Atio’ Castillo III. According to reports, all of them are found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating the Anti-Hazing Law of 1995.
Fraternity members Arvin Rivera Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Ralph Trangia, John Robin Ramos, Jose Miguel Salamat, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, and Marcelino Bagtang Jr. are sentenced to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years of imprisonment.
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Additionally, the Court has ordered the suspects to pay the following penalties:
- ₱461,8000 as actual expenses,
- ₱75,000 as civil indemnity,
- ₱75,000 as moral damages, and
- ₱75,000 as exemplary damages.
“The untimely death of Atio Castillo caused pain, agony, anxiety, suffering, and mental anguish to his heirs because it deprived them of his company, love, support, and companionship,” the Court stated.
Atio Castillo, a freshman law student, was preparing to undergo the final initiation rites to join the Aegis Juris fraternity. Tragically, he passed away on September 17 after fraternity members struck him with paddles during the initiation.
Schoolmate and frat member John Paul Solano took Castillo to the Chinese General Hospital, but they pronounced him dead upon arrival. He was only 22 years old.
In related news, Atio Castillo’s parents had differing views on justice delivery. His mother, Carmina, called on the university to review its policies, believing they were the root cause of the situation.
“We all placed our hundred percent, and we got our conviction. At this point, I would like to say that we are holding UST responsible for the death of our son. It has been proven that Aegis Juris has been practicing hazing. It is time to check your policies,” she said.
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However, Castillo’s father, Horacio II., disagreed with his wife’s remarks.
“The university and the faculty have always implemented and upheld policies that promote the safety and welfare of all students,” he said.
He added, “Unfortunately, no institution is spared from the actions of individuals who choose to disregard these measures.”
Atty. Nilo Divina, the dean of the UST Faculty of Civil Law, extended his heartfelt sympathy and prayer to Atio Castillo’s family. He added that the university is committed in making a safe student environment and will prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
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