Main suspect in Atio’s death to tell all at Senate probe —Lacson

The principal suspect in the death of Horacio "Atio" Castillo III supposedly during an initiation rite is willing to disclose all information about the incident at the Senate inquiry on Monday, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Sunday.

In an interview on dzBB, Lacson said that John Paul Solano, a member of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, will also reveal his knowledge about the hazing incident to the Manila Police District (MPD).

"Hindi lang bukas (Monday's Senate probe), kundi sa MPD. Sinabi niya na baka sa formal investigation na lang ako magbigay ng detalye," Lacson added.

Solano has been considered a primary suspect in Castillo's death after giving false statements to the police about how and where he found Atio.

On Friday, Solano surrendered to Lacson, who later turned him over to the MPD.

Lacson, however, said Solano has yet to disclose anything to him.

"Ayaw niyang magbigay ng detalye. Ang sinasabi niya magbibigay na lang siya ng detalye pagharap niya sa formal na investigation." 

The senator is likewise unsure if Solano has prepared his sworn affidavit.

"Sa pagkaintindi ko, yun ang gagawin niya once makarating siya doon sa homicide section ng MPD," Lacson said.

"Pero may catch kasi doon kasi siya ay nakapagbigay na ng salaysay nung una at siya'y nag-apologize nga dahil hindi totoo yung nauna niyang ibinigay sa salaysay."

Because of these inconsistencies, Lacson said Solano may face perjury.

"Ito yung parang kanyang catch ... kung babaguhin niya ang kanyang salaysay. Pero kung hindi naman niya babaguhin, at merong mga independent na ebidensya na magpapatunay na mali yung kanyang sinabi noong una, talagang itatrato siyang suspect o kaya akusado," the senator said. 

Aside from Solano, other resource persons are being invited to attend the Senate inquiry, which is set to start at 6 p.m. on Monday.

"Pati yung ibang frat members ipapatawag na rin kasi hindi lang naman limited ang pag-uusap doon sa nangyari kay Atio, kundi maco-cover nito ang lahat ng [fraternities]. Kasi ang aayusin nito ay Anti-Hazing Law e, so kailangan makunan din sila ng input," he added. 

Castillo died of massive heart attack possibly due to the injuries he suffered after alleged hazing rites. —LBG, GMA News