Kyler Alvord
Updated on: October 16, 2024 3:10 am GMT
Seven years after the tragic death of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, a Manila court has finally delivered justice, convicting ten fraternity members involved in his hazing. This case has captured public attention and raised critical discussions about the issue of hazing in the Philippines.
The Court’s Decision
On October 1, 2024, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11 found the members of the Aegis Juris fraternity guilty of violating the country’s anti-hazing law, specifically Section 4(1) of Republic Act No. 8049. The verdict came after lengthy proceedings surrounding the disturbing hazing incident that led to Castillo’s death in 2017.
Convicted Members
The court sentenced the following ten fraternity members to reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment:
- Mhin Wei Chan
- Jose Miguel Salamat
- John Robin Ramos
- Marcelino Bagtang Jr.
- Arvin Balag
- Ralph Trangia
- Axel Munro Hipe
- Oliver Onofre
- Joshua Macabali
- Hans Matthew Rodrigo
In addition, they were ordered to pay P625,000 to Castillo’s family as damages, including actual expenses and moral compensation.
The Hazing Incident
Atio Castillo, a 22-year-old freshman law student at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), died after enduring a brutal initiation. During the hazing, Castillo was reportedly punched and paddled for four hours. Allegations arose that the fraternity members delayed taking him to the hospital, with estimates of a 30 to 40-minute wait before transportation to a hospital that was not the closest one available. Instead, he was taken to the Chinese General Hospital by John Paul Solano, one of the fraternity members.
Legal Fallout
John Paul Solano was previously found guilty of obstruction of justice in a separate ruling, for misrepresenting the circumstances of Castillo’s transport to the hospital. Initially, the Department of Justice (DOJ) pressed murder charges against the fraternity members, but those charges were dropped. The DOJ argued there was no intent to kill, as the fraternity’s actions were described as a means to inflict harm during initiation rites.
Impact of the Case
The death of Atio Castillo raised significant public outcry, compelling lawmakers to take action. Senate investigations brought university officials, including UST law dean and Aegis Juris alumnus Nilo Divina, into focus. The tragic incident directly contributed to the enactment of the 2018 Anti-Hazing Law, which reinforced measures against hazing and aimed to prevent similar tragedies.
Although the new law was seen as a milestone, hazing continues to pose a threat to students. In 2019, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Dexter Dormitorio tragically died during a hazing initiation, highlighting that the problem persists despite legislative efforts. More recently, courts found suspects guilty under the new anti-hazing law, indicating a shift toward stricter accountability.
Looking Ahead
The convictions in the Atio Castillo case serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of hazing and the importance of combating it in academic environments. As the nation reflects on the tragedies stemming from such practices, families and advocates are committed to ensuring that hazing does not claim another life.
Atio’s parents, Horacio Castillo II and Minnie Castillo, attended the court verdict, marking a significant moment in their pursuit of justice for their son. Their experience illustrates the deep emotional cost of hazing and the ongoing struggle for reform within institutions.
People in our society are still feeling sad about these events, but we all hope to create a safer and more respectful culture. Together, we can work against hazing in the Philippines.
