The family of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, a University of Santo Tomas (UST) law freshman who was tragically killed during a hazing incident in 2017, is calling on the university to implement stricter controls over fraternities and sororities. The plea comes ahead of the anticipated verdict on the Aegis Juris fraternity members involved in Atio’s death, set for October 1.
Atio’s mother, Carmina Castillo, expressed hope that a conviction would not only bring justice for her son but also prompt UST to reassess and strengthen its policies. “When convicted, I hope this will bring change to UST. To introduce this new change to UST—’Look at the policies.’ Convicted [sila]. Wala nang hazing na mangyari,” she stated.
Atio, then 22 years old, died on September 17, 2017, during an initiation organized by the Aegis Juris fraternity, where he collapsed and lost consciousness. Aegis Juris, affiliated with UST’s Faculty of Civil Law, was not accredited by the university’s Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at the time of his death.
Following the incident, in May 2018, the OSA ordered fraternities and sororities to indefinitely cease recruiting members or engaging in any activities.
Atio’s father, Horacio Castillo Jr., acknowledged that UST had made some reforms since his son’s death but criticized the university for remaining silent. “I don’t know how UST would answer because pitong taon na, they remained quiet. May kurot sa loob doon sa seven years, and they remain [silent]. We’ve been asking for the investigative report na ginawa nila, which they never furnished us,” he said.
In February 2018, UST expelled eight law students after a university investigation found them “guilty of violating the Code of Conduct and Discipline,” resulting in their expulsion. UST has denied accusations of indifference toward Atio’s case.
“UST is not our enemy. All we want is for them to cooperate with us… maybe those seven years could have been just four years,” Atio’s father added.
The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11 is expected to deliver its verdict on the case on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. If found guilty, the Aegis Juris fraternity members could face reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3,000,000, as stipulated in the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 for hazing incidents resulting in death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation.
GMA News Online reached out to UST for comment, but the university had not responded at the time of posting.