Suspects in Atio hazing case given until Jan. 22 to refute fratman’s testimony

Investigating prosecutors on Friday admitted the testimony of hazing suspect-turned-witness Marc Anthony Ventura in connection with the death of University of Santo Tomas freshman law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III last September.

Ventura subscribed to his sworn statement before the panel of prosecutors at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the re-opening of the preliminary investigation on the criminal complaints in relation to Castillo’s death.

Prosecutors set the filing of counter-affidavits by the respondents and clarificatory hearing in relation to Ventura’s affidavit on January 22.

Ventura, who was admitted to the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program on October 24, earlier narrated how his fraternity brothers took turns beating up Castillo inside the Aegis Juris library in Sampaloc, Manila, in the wee hours of September 17.

He also named some of Aegis Juris members who took part in the initiation.

During the hearing, Paterno Esmaquel, counsel for respondent John Paul Solano, expressed his objection to the re-opening of the probe, arguing that the preliminary investigation had already been submitted for resolution last November.

Castillo's parents, meanwhile, welcomed the prosecutor's decision.

"It is just proper that they reopen the case to present the affidavit of Marc Ventura. We are very grateful, very thankful to the DOJ," Castillo's mother, Carminia, told reporters. 

"With his (Ventura) statement, they cannot deny that a crime has been committed. Hindi nila puwede itanggi 'yung hazing na nangyari and we have a witness to the crime which I believe would put them all to jail," she added.

Pending before the DOJ are the complaints for murder, violation of the Anti-Hazing Law, obstruction of justice, robbery and perjury separately filed by the Manila Police District and Castillo's parents against more than 30 people, most of them members of the fraternity. —KBK, GMA News