Atio’s parents to pursue case vs university, 30 others

MANILA, Philippines — Despite threats and harassment, the parents of hazing victim Horacio “Atio” Castillo III have vowed to pursue criminal and civil cases against 30 more personalities involved in the incident as well as the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

“We are committed to finish this case. It’s not only for our son, this is for our youth,” Atio’s father Horacio Castillo Jr. said in an interview with “The Chiefs” aired on Cignal TV’s One News Monday night.

“Later on, this will become the basis. I see two-year-olds, three-year-olds running around and sometimes it hits you, maybe when they’re in school, maybe there would be no hazing,” he added.

Castillo said the recent conviction of fraternity member John Paul Solano for obstruction of justice strengthens their case against the 10 other Aegis Juris members who are charged with violation of the anti-hazing law.

“It confirms the cover-up,” he said.

Castillo said they are convinced that UST should also be held accountable for the death of their son.

“We believe that the school is also liable. And when we speak about the school, it involves UST, its faculty members. UST has not been charged yet. Maybe, we wanted a perfect timing. Now is the time. We will file criminal and civil cases,” Horacio said.

Castillo said the 30 other individuals, composed of officers and members of the Aegis Juris fraternity, had direct and indirect participation in the fatal hazing of his son. 

He said they were among those who also participated in the planning and execution of the hazing of Castillo as discovered in their chats and text messages.

The Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 14 on Monday handed out the first conviction related to the 2017 hazing incident after it found Solano guilty of obstruction of justice.

Solano was sentenced to up to four years in prison for making false statements about the incident.

The frat man initially claimed he brought the unconscious Atio to the Chinese General Hospital after finding him on a roadside in Tondo, Manila.

Later investigation showed he was trying to revive the victim who had collapsed during initiation rites of the fraternity.

During The Chiefs interview, the Castillo couple claimed they are getting threats through phone calls.

“The two of us, Minnie and I, were followed around. We were stalked by suspicious people. It gets back every day. We also get harassment. There are threats, phone calls,” Horacio said.

Castillo said the harassment and threats they are getting are the usual calls from people making bad remarks.

“The usual. Somebody would call and make bad remarks. We feel it’s the same (threat to do us harm.) because it usually happens before there is a hearing. Before there is a decision… like the Solano case. There was a barrage of phone calls before today. To tell you frankly and honestly, we got used to threats already,” Horacio said.

Minnie said she was advised by friends to change her number to avoid the threats.

“A lot of people are saying change your phone already. No, let them go on with their harassment,” Minnie said.

The couple said they are committed to finishing the cases.

“We are committed to finish this case. Not only for our son, maybe this is for our youth. Because later on this will become the basis... let’s start it in school, no more bullying,” Horacio said.  – With Janvic Mateo