THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) has indicted 10 Aegis Juris members linked to the death of Faculty of Civil Law freshman and Political Science alumnus Horacio Castillo III.
In a resolution released Thursday, the following 10 fraternity members were charged with violation of the Anti-Hazing Law: alleged Aegis Juris president Arvin Balag, Ralph Trangia, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Mhin Wei Chan, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Axel Munro Hipe, Marelino Bagtang, Jose Miguel Salamat, and Robin Ramos.
Ramos was not included in the 16 fraternity members who were placed under an immigration lookout bulletin order filed by the DOJ in September.
There is no bail recommended for the indicted members.
The resolution, furthermore, recommended fratman John Paul Solano to be charged with perjury and obstruction of justice. Solano initially said he found the dying Castillo on a sidewalk in Balut, Tondo, but later admitted that he was ordered by Aegis Juris members to bring the body of the victim to the Chinese General Hospital.
Charges filed by Castillo’s camp against Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina and Faculty Secretary Arthur Capili were dropped for insufficient evidence while accusations against other fraternity members were dismissed “for lack of probable cause.”
The 22-year-old Castillo was declared dead on arrival at the Chinese General Hospital on Sept. 17 after attending the “welcoming rites” of the Civil Law-based fraternity in its library at the corner of Laong Laan and Navarra Streets in Sampaloc.
Fratmen expelled
Last month, the University’s investigating committee formed by Rector Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. expelled eight law students linked to Castillo’s death after they were found guilty of violating UST’s Code of Conduct and Discipline. The names of the students were withheld.
“The University reiterates its commitment to ferret out the truth, determine liability, and impose the appropriate sanctions,” a statement released Feb. 18 read.
“[U]ST has always been one with the Castillo family in the steadfast call for everyone to pray and work together to achieve justice for Horacio and for truth to prevail.” F LUIS MIGUEL B. ARUCAN
