MANILA – Seven years after the tragic death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, a Manila court has delivered a decision in the Aegis Juris fraternity hazing case. Ten fraternity members were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 4(1) of the old anti-hazing law, Republic Act No. 8049.
The convicted members, Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Ralph Trangia, Robin Ramos, Jose Miguel Salamat, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, and Marcelino Bagtang, were sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to jointly pay Castillo’s family P625,000 in actual expenses and damages.
Castillo’s death during an ‘initiation rites’ in 2017 sparked widespread outrage and led to increased scrutiny of hazing practices in the Philippines. The case also involved high-profile figures, including officials of the University of Santo Tomas and Aegis Juris fraternity member Nilo Divina, who was the law dean at the time.
The conviction of the ten fraternity members marks a significant step in addressing the issue of hazing and holding those involved accountable for their actions.
The Atio Castillo hazing case has become a landmark case in the Philippines, highlighting the dangers of hazing and the need for stricter laws to prevent such tragedies. The case has also led to increased public awareness and activism against hazing practices.
In the aftermath of Castillo’s death, the Senate conducted an investigation into the incident, which led to the enactment of the 2018 Anti-Hazing Law. This law strengthened penalties for hazing and introduced measures to prevent and address such practices.