Aguirre orders NBI to probe hazing death of UST law student Atio Castillo

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe and file charges against those responsible for the death of freshman University of Santo Tomas (UST) law student Horacio Tomas "Atio" Castillo III.

Castillo was allegedly killed during the welcome rites of a university-recognized fraternity over the weekend.

"??Deaths and physical injuries due to hazing have no place in a civilized society. The loss of a life should never be the price that one  should pay for brotherhood and acceptance. The persons responsible for this senseless death should be brought to justice," Aguirre said.

The Justice chief also offered his condolences to Castillo's family.

"And we also offer to them any assistance that the DOJ [Department of Justice] can give them relative to the loss of their son. As a parent myself, I feel their loss and anguish. We will endeavor to see to it that those who are responsible will be held accountable to the full extent of the law," he said.

Castillo was found along a street in Tondo, Manila on Sunday, a day after he told his parents he would be attending the overnight "welcoming rites" of the Aegis Juris Fraternity whose notable members include UST Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina.

Castillo's body was found covered in bruises and candle wax drip marks.

The UST Faculty of Civil Law has already suspended all officers and members of the fraternity pending the university's investigation on the incident. — RSJ, GMA News