Senate panel subpoenas 14 people tagged in Atio Castillo death

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs has issued subpoenas to 14 people who are allegedly involved in the death of hazing victim Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.

A copy of the subpoena uploaded on the official website of Senator Panfilo Lacson showed that among those summoned to attend was suspect Ralph Trangia. Lacson chairs the Senate public order committee.

Trangia and his mother left for Chicago on September 19, a day before Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II placed him and several others on the immigration lookout bulletin. They returned to the country last week.

The other 13 summoned to attend the probe on Castillo’s death are:

• Arvin Balag
• Aeron Salientes
• Mhin Wei Chan
• Mark Anthony Ventura
• Oliver John Audrey Onofre
• Ranie Rafael Santiago
• Zimon Padro
• Joshua Joriel Macabali
• Karl Matthew Villanueva
• Jose Miguel Salamat
• Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo
• Axel Munro Hipe
• Marcelino Bagtang

All of the 14 personalities are facing charges for murder, robbery, and violation of the Anti-Hazing Law.

In a phone interview, Lacson said those issued subpoenas may be arrested if they will not show up.

“Kapag hindi sila dumalo ay maaari silang ma-cite in contempt of the Senate at tsaka yung committee, at pwede sila ma-aresto,” he said.

Castillo, a freshman law student, died after attending the "welcoming rites" of the Aegis Juris fraternity based in the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law on September 16. Authorities had confirmed that he died of a massive heart attack possibly due to the injuries he suffered from hazing.

The Senate public order committee is scheduled to conduct its second hearing on Castillo’s death Wednesday, jointly with the Senate committees on justice and human rights, and constitutional amendments and revision of codes.

The committee has also issued notices to appear to 14 alumni of the Aegis Juris fraternity. 

Solano transcript

John Paul Solano, another prime suspect who brought Castillo to the hospital, had already appeared before the Senate, in which he named — during an executive session with lawmakers — at least seven people behind the victim's death. 

Lacson reiterated that the Senate public order committee may release the transcript of its executive session with Solano if he fails to submit a sworn affidavit.

“Kung hindi niya mabahagi ng kusang loob eh mapipilitan ang komite [i-release ang transcript] at yun ay pwede naming ibahagi sa DOJ (Department of Justice) at MPD (Manila Police District) na nagsasagawa ng investigation,” Lacson said.

Lacson said senators attending Wednesday’s hearing will first have a caucus at 9 a.m. to discuss how to go about the disclosure of the transcript. — MDM, GMA News