Solons condemn death of UST law student due to alleged hazing

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Monday condemned the death of Horacio Castillo III, a 22-year-old law student from the University of Santo Tomas, allegedly due to fraternity hazing.

In a statement, Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago sought justice and accountability for Castillo's death.

"We must put an end to hazing and seek justice for the ever-growing list of victims," Elago said.

"If there is something to be put to death, it is the old rotting tradition of hazing and the culture of impunity, not the lives of the future of our nation," she added.

Castillo died of massive heart attack possibly due to the injuries he suffered after alleged hazing rites.

His body was found by a concerned citizen at a sidewalk in Tondo on Sunday morning and brought to Chinese General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Elago urged the youth to unite and stand against violence and impunity.

"We join his family in bringing the perpetrators and instigators of violence to justice! With this filing up incidents of killings, all the more, the youth must unite with the Filipino masses in fighting against this fascist and tyrannical regime that propagates violence and impunity," she said.

For her part, Bagong Henerasyon party-list Representative Bernadette Herrera-Dy said this latest case of death due to fraternity hazing will push her to hasten actions on anti-hazing bills.

"I personally condole with the family, friends, and loved ones of Horacio Castillo III," she said.

"While no words can express our deep sorrow about the tragedy, I can say that his death and his memory will spur me and my colleagues into even faster and diligent action on our bills on hazing," she added.

Herrera-Dy said that while UST has measures to address the issue, it is also important that government agencies investigate Castillo's death.

"I must urge the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation to immediately investigate and criminally charge everyone responsible for the hazing death of Horacio Castillo III," she said.

Herrera-Dy has filed House Bill 3467, which seeks to amend the existing Anti-Hazing Law.

Under the measure, all kinds of hazing will be declared illegal. At least two representatives of the school should also be present during the initiation.

Sudden, unscheduled or impromptu initiations will likewise not be allowed under the bill.

Individuals involved will face life imprisonment if the hazing results in death, suicide, rape, sodomy or mutilation. — DVM, GMA News