Suspect in Castillo hazing case was booked at the MPD

One of the principal suspects alleged hazing death of law student Horacio Tomas "Atio" Castillo III, underwent the usual booking procedure at the Manila Police District (MPD) late Friday afternoon, as seen on the report of GMA News' Oscar Oida on "24 Oras."

John Paul Solano, who is in the custody of the Homicide Section, had his mugshots and fingerprints taken and went through a medical check-up.

He was expected to compose a judicial affidavit in the presence of his lawyer.

Solano is facing charges of perjury for giving wrong information to the police when Castillo was brought to the Chinese General Hospital last Sunday morning.

He is also facing a charge for violating Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law.

Solano surrendered five days after he brought Castillo to the hospital.

"It is the court who will evaluate the degree of participation ng isang suspect whether its is an accomplice or whether he is an accessory or whether he is a principal suspect," MPD spokesman Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo said.

The MPD will also be filing a perjury case against Solano for initially declaring that he came across Castillo by chance on his way to work on September 16.

He also claimed that he flagged down a red Strada pick-up to help him bring Castillo to the hospital.

It was later revealed that the pick up owner was also a member of the University of Santo Tomas (UST)-based Aegis Juris fraternity and the vehicle was registered to a parent of Ralph Caballes Trangia, who is also a suspect in the case.

Earlier, Solano apologized to the Castillo family for giving the false statement, but denied taking part in the fraternity's initiation rites.

“My involvement was to give medical assistance that time…Because they were in chaos at that time. I was not there. They needed medical assistance. I am a medical health provider so more or less they would call me,” Solano said.

The parents of the victim, however, are not in favor of turning Solano into a state witness for their son's case. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News