THE CURRENT and the former head of the UST Political Science department have expressed hope that the ruling on the seven-year hazing slay case of Artlets alumnus Horacio “Atio” Castillo III would lead to the enforcement of stronger anti-hazing policies within the University.
The verdict on the suspects to be released on Oct. 1 would convey a strong condemnation of “violent traditions,” such as hazing-related activities in student organizations, Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Dennis Coronacion said.
“I share the common view that the schools are not a place for any form of violence as they are meant for the acquisition of knowledge. Peace is essential in any learning institution,” Coronacion told The Flame.
“If there is any school-based organization, including fraternities and sororities, that will challenge this view and disturb the peace in the school campuses and endanger the lives of the students, then something should be done about them,” he added.
Castillo, a Political Science alumnus, died on Sept. 17, 2017, a day after informing his parents via text message that he would attend a welcome party hosted by the Aegis Juris fraternity.
Reports have indicated that Castillo, then a law freshman, suffered punches and hits for four hours during the fraternity’s initiation rites.
Political Science Asst. Prof. Ma. Zenia Rodriguez, who served as department coordinator during Castillo’s undergraduate years, said the court’s decision would serve as a “strong deterrent” against any form of violence, including hazing, that should not be tolerated in society.
“Horacio’s case has emphasized the pressing need for more robust anti-hazing laws and their rigorous enforcement. A just verdict will not only bring solace to the Castillo family but also convey a resolute message that such atrocities will not be condoned in our society,” Rodriguez said.
The conclusion of legal proceedings, Rodriguez said, would bring “much-needed closure” to Castillo’s family and those who commemorate his memory.
“The upcoming announcement of the decision in the Horacio Castillo hazing case holds significant meaning for the pursuit of justice… Those responsible for Horacio’s tragic death must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” she added.
Coronacion called for the prevention of physical violence against students, saying universities should only provide safe learning spaces.
“Schools are not supposed to be the place where students will be exposed to physical violence. Schools are supposed to be a zone of peace as they are intended for learning. This is why I also feel bad that some of the detained suspects are my former students at the Faculty of Arts and Letters,” he said.
The fraternity men implicated in Castillo’s death were 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.
A day after the incident, UST Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina announced that members of the fraternity were no longer allowed to enter the campus and attend classes.
In 2018, the UST Office for Student Affairs (OSA) “indefinitely” suspended all recruitment and activities of fraternities, sororities and similar organizations. Since the hazing incident, OSA has implemented stricter regulations on student organizations and has required their members to seek and renew accreditation from the office annually.
According to the UST student handbook, university-wide fraternities or sororities are prohibited from recruiting high school students and freshmen from undergraduate programs. Meanwhile, fraternities and sororities from the Faculty of Civil Law and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery must not recruit members among their first-year students and those from undergraduate programs.
Violation of the rules, as well as conducting hazing activities, may result in suspension, non-readmission, exclusion or expulsion depending on the gravity of the offense.
According to Coronacion, the department plans to hold events in the days leading up to the verdict in support of Castillo.
“I am hoping that Atio will finally get the justice that he deserves. I am hoping that the court will use its wisdom to arrive at the truth, as we were deprived of it in the aftermath of Atio’s sudden death,” he added.
The verdict will be out on Oct. 1, 1:30 p.m., at the Regional Trial Court Branch 11 in the Manila City Hall.
If convicted, the Aegis Juris fratmen would be penalized with reclusion perpetua or imprisonment that lasts from 20 years and one day to 40 years and a fine of P3 million in accordance with Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. F — with reports from Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
