Firefighters who rescued young Atio Castillo remember him

The first thing that Horacio "Atio" Castillo did after surviving a fire in Paco, Manila 12 years ago was ask about his pet dog.

"Dito ang tinatanong niya is 'yung aso niya. Kasi ang pagkakaalam namin dog lover siya, kaya lang 'yung asong 'yun eh kasama sa namatay," Senior Fire Officer 3 Ronald Lim recalled in a 24 Oras report by Steve Dailisan.

Then 10 years old, Castillo was fortunate to survive a fire that struck a building on Nakpil Street in 2005. He and his family were trapped on the rooftop, but were later rescued by firefighters.

"Nakita na lang namin si Horacio na nakahawak doon sa ano, tapos 'yung tatay nakahawak sa ano... nakabitin kumbaga. At meron siyang nakasakay na bata sa kanya, 'yung bata na 'yun, 'yun si biktima na si Atio. Nagulat na lang kami na 'yung bata bumagsak sa... papunta doon sa canopy," said Fire Officer 2 Lords Hernandez of the Bureau of Fire Protection - Gagalangin.

Castillo's rescuers were dismayed to learn that the boy they rescued all those years ago was the young man who died of hazing-related injuries last week in Manila.

"Napakahirap magligtas ng tao sa nasusunog o 'yung inaagaw mo sila sa kamatayan tapos 'yung ibang tao ganon lang gagawin," Lim said.

"Kumbaga nakakapanghinayang, hindi naman kami Diyos para magbigay ng buhay kaya lang siguro may nagawa kaming maliit na bagay para madugtungan ang kanyang buhay," added Hernandez.

Last Sunday, Castillo's bruised and bloated body was rushed to Chinese General Hospital, where the 22-year-old was pronounced dead.

Atio a 'humble young man'

Castillo's uncle, Dr. Jerry Castillo, described his nephew as a simple young man despite being raised by a well-off family.

"He would always ask his drivers that he would be dropped off very far so he would walk away so people will not find out that he's being brought by a driver. He's a very humble person," Jerry said.

The doctor added that Atio grew up having simple joys, including his golden retriever dog, Lega.

The Castillo family condemned the killing of their beloved Atio, who had dreamed of becoming a Chief Justice someday.

"Just to settle this once and for all, you just have to remove these fraternities in all universities. You can never bring him back and you will never bring him back," Dr. Castillo said.

Castillo's distraught grandmother, Teresita, stayed by his coffin.

"Napakabait na bata... Diyos na ang bahala sa kanila sa ginawa nila sa apo ko," sshe said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News