MANILA, Philippines – The parents of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) law freshman who died due to hazing in 2017, urged UST to review its policies following the conviction of 10 fraternity members in the hazing case.
“The guilty verdict is a team effort,” Carmina Castillo, Atio’s mom, told reporters after the court handed down its guilty verdict against 10 Aegis Juris fraternity members on Tuesday, October 1.
“I would like to say that I am holding UST responsible for the death of our son. It has been proven that Aegis Juris has been practicing hazing and it is time check your policies and laws in the school. I would like to reiterate that the school, the university, the civil law department, the dean himself failed to protect our son,” Carmina added.
Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11 Acting Presiding Judge Shirley Magsipoc-Pagalilauan found the fraternity members guilty of anti-hazing law and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua. She also ordered the accused to pay the Castillo family over P600,000 in damages.
“I think it’s about time heads should roll in the UST,” Horacio II, Atio’s dad, said after the guilty verdict.
The Tuesday hearing was filled with emotions as Atio’s case finally reached a decision after seven years of probe and trial. Minutes before the scheduled promulgation at 1:30 pm, Carmina and Horacio II, along with their lawyers, arrived in the Manila RTC situated inside the Manila City Hall.
Atio’s parents were calm and composed as they talked to their lawyers, friends, and the media ahead of the promulgation.
The couple’s emotional side was revealed after the judge announced the guilty verdict: Horacio II proudly flashed the decision’s dispositive part stating that the fraternity members were guilty, while Carmina cried as she hugged their companions after hearing that they finally attained justice after seven long years.
The promulgation was like a mini-reunion. Atio’s best friend and the cops from the Manila Police District who probed Atio’s case were all in attendance. They cried with and congratulated the Castillo family.
“We believe that UST should make changes. We are holding them responsible for what they did to our son. They failed [as] second parents. The dean himself should have done something beforehand. They should have prevented the hazing, the crime of hazing from happening…. We would like, maybe, we would like to ask the Dean, Dean Divina, what can you say about this?” Carmina said.
In response, Divina said he sympathizes with the Castillo family, but said he disagrees with Carmina’s statement that the institution failed to protect the young Castillo.
“The university and the faculty have always implemented and upheld policies that promote the safety and welfare of all students. Unfortunately, no institution is spared from the actions of individuals who choose to disregard these measures,” Divina said in a message.
Castillo, a 22-year-old freshman law student, died due to hazing injuries sustained after he was punched and paddled for four hours in an initiation by his seniors. After six months, the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted 10 fraternity members for violation of the old anti-hazing law, but dropped the murder complaint against them.
The family also filed complaints against Divina, but the suits were dismissed by the DOJ.
Castillo’s death led to the passing of the new anti-hazing law that introduced new provisions stating that all forms of hazing are illegal and imposed additional penalties for those who plan and participate in the rituals.
However, the supposedly stricter new anti-hazing law did not deter violence in the country as other young men still died due to hazing after Castillo. – with research from Pierre dela Cruz/ Rappler.com
Pierre dela Cruz is a Rappler intern. Learn more about Rappler’s internship program here.
