UST denies Chiz’s allegation it was indifferent to Atio’s fatal hazing

The University of Santo Tomas has denied being indifferent to the death of law student and Aegis Juris neophyte Horacio "Atio" Castillo III allegedly in the hands of his fraternity masters.

UST released the statement after Senator Francis Escudero criticized the university leadership for alleged inaction in the wake of the alleged fatal hazing incident.

"The University of Santo Tomas expresses concern over the inaccurate portrayal that it was indifferent to the death of its law student, Horacio Castillo III. On the contrary, on the first day that the news broke out, the University manifested its grief, offered prayers, and conveyed its profound sympathy to the family of Horacio," the statement read.

"It condemned the senseless act of violence and declared a day of mourning. It immediately created a committee to investigate and ferret out the truth observing the due process requirements of the law," it added.

The university said that its officials also"closely coordinated with the Manila Police District and National Bureau of Investigation which led to the identification of the members of the fraternity and possible perpetrators of the crime."

"Despite the limitations under the Education Act and the Data Privacy Act, the University allowed representatives of the Legal Education Board and the Commission on Human Rights to observe the proceedings of the investigation committee," it said.

"At no point did the University indicate lack of interest concerning the death of Horacio. We call on everyone to pray and work together to achieve justice for Horacio and for truth to prevail," it added.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday slammed UST officials, saying they didn't seem to care about the death of freshman law student Castillo.

“Para silang walang pakialam. Sa totoo lang, nakaka-disappoint,” Escudero said at a media briefing.

“Sila pa naman ay isang religious school, sila pa dapat yung nangunguna sa pagbibigay ng tamang ehemplo lalo at partikular na sa pagpapaharap sa pananagutan ng kung sino mang liable sa krimen na ito,” Escudero, a lawyer, said.

“Sana sa mga susunod na araw, magbago ang pananaw at pananalita sa pagtrato sa kaso na ito ng UST mismo,” he added.

Castillo died on September 17 after attending the initiation rites of the Aegis Juris fraternity. UST Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina earlier said that the fraternity is not an accredited organization at the school this year.

Escudero said he found the university's response lacking.

“Mula nang nangyari ito, wala pa akong narinig na opisyal ng UST na nagsalita sa kasong ito,” he said.

UST condemned Castillo's death via a statement released on September 18. —NB, GMA News