Following the court's guilty verdict for the ten accused fraternity members in the death of UST Law student Horacio 'Atio' Castillo III, the victim's parents are demanding accountability from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and its officials for failing to protect their son.
"Ang ni-reiterate namin, sa tingin po namin, nagkulang po ang eskwelahan sa pagprotekta sa aming anak," Horacio Castillo II said during an exclusive interview with DZRH for Damdaming Bayan on Wednesday.
"Kaya po tayo pumipili ng eskwelahan, para sa welfare ng ating anak na sila ay mailagay sa tamang lugar. Ang nakita po namin dito, ang anak po namin, na-recruit siya na dapat po sana hindi pala," he added.
Atio's father insists that fraternity recruitment is not a simple process, as it should involve safeguards to protect potential members.
"Ang sinasabi ng dean, it's possible na nagkaroon ng violation sa safeguards. May sinabi siya na siguro there is an exception," said Castillo.
He stated that the incident cost him his son's life. Although he had only one child who became a victim, that life is invaluable to his family.
"He is not a statistics or a casualty. Buhay po namin mag-asawa ‘yung anak namin," Castillo stated.
"Sana po maintindihan nila na ang eskwelahan po ay gusto naming magsalita or siguro managot sila. 7 years po ang inilaban namin and hindi po madali ‘yung ipinaglaban namin," he added.
Atio's father further stated that the Aegis Juris Fraternity practices hazing and that the school should monitor such activities. He noted that there have been numerous other hazing cases involving the fraternity in the past.
In response to the court's guilty verdict, Castillo noted that it was a meaningful outcome for their family, providing them with closure. He stated that they had successfully fought for their son's dignity.
"‘Yung 7 taon na iyon, may pagkakataong panghihinaan kayo talaga. Inabutan din po kami nung nangyaring covid pandemic po and natigil po ‘yung mga pagdinig nang halos isa't kalahating taon," Castillo mentioned.
"Nagkaroon ng time na maitatanong mo sa sarili mo kung gaano pa ito kahaba," he added.
Atio's father advised students on joining fraternities, stating that recruitment is easy and students can be easily persuaded by the promises made to them.
Furthermore, he warned them to be cautious, as joining with good intentions could lead to adverse outcomes for them.
On Tuesday, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11 found ten fraternity members guilty of violating the Anti-Hazing Law, sentencing them to reclusion perpetua, imprisonment of up to 40 years.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) awaits the court's directive to move the ten convicted individuals to New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, potentially happening today.
