Kin arrive at the Senate for probe on Atio’s death

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The family and relatives of alleged hazing victim Horacio “Atio” Castillo III have arrived at the Senate for its first hearing on his death.

Castillo’s parents, Horacio Jr. and Carminia, along with their daughter, Nicole, and some of their relatives were photographed on Monday afternoon waiting at the office of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who called for the Senate investigation on the incident.

Some of them were wearing white t-shirts with words printed on it that read: #JusticeForHoracio.

At least three committees—public order and dangerous drugs,justice and human rights and constitutional amendments—are set to begin their investigation into the death of Castillo, a 22-year-old freshman law student of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) who reportedly died of hazing purportedly committed by members of the Aegis Juris fraternity.

One of the prime suspects, John Paul Solano, a member of the fraternity, came ahead of Castillo’s family.

READ: Solano: I apologize for giving false statement, for the death of Atio

Senators hope to uncover the loopholes in the Anti-Hazing Act (Republic Act 8049) through the hearings, and consequently introduce appropriate amendments to the law.  /kga