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UST Law dean visits Atio Castillo's wake, vows justice


 

University of Santo Tomas (UST) Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina on Wednesday promised the parents of hazing victim Horacio "Atio" Castillo III that those behind his death will face the consequence of their crime.

According to report by Susan Enriquez on "24 Oras," Divina spoke to the parents when he visited the wake on the second day. He stayed for around an hour and attended mass with the Castillo family.

Divina made the statement amid allegations that he is covering up for the Aegis Juris Fraternity, the group blamed for Castillo's death.

He said that he has directed the members of the fraternity to make themselves available for conference and interview.

"The adviser talked to me and we said we should direct all the members of the involved to show up and face the consequence of their actions and defend themselves in the proper forum," he said.

The 22-year-old Castillo told his parents that he would be attending the overnight "welcoming rites" of Aegis Juris on Saturday. His body was found early Sunday lying on the street in Tondo, bruised, bloated, and marked with cigarette and candle wax burns.

Divina had issued a suspension order for the officials and members of the fraternity and barred them from entering the university's campus following reports of the incident.

The Manila Police District had questioned the suspension order, and said that the ban made it difficult for them to find the suspects.

Divina is one of the notable members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity. However, he earlier said he is no longer involved in the group's activities.

The dean said he issued the suspension order due to the gravity of the offense and has since lifted it so those involved can cooperate with authorities.

"The reason why I issued that order last Monday is the gravity of the offense. At the same time to make sure that there will be no interference on the investigation. But earlier I lifted the order of suspension for the purpose of ensuring they will cooperate in the investigation. We directed them to attend and make themselves available for conference and interview," Divina said. —Jessica Bartolome/JST, GMA News

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