Dean: UST, faculty of law did not fail duty in protecting Atio

Nilo Divina FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas (UST) college of law dean Nilo Divina on Tuesday insisted that the university and the faculty of law fulfilled their duty to protect students despite the death of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III in 2017 due to hazing.

Divina made the pronouncement as Atio’s parents, Carmina Castillo and Horacio Castillo II, held him and the UST responsible for the death of their son due to hazing.

After the conviction of Aegis Juris fratmen behind the death of Atio, Carmina accused the university, the faculty of law, and Divina of failing to protect her son after it was proven that Aegis Juris had been imposing hazing to its recruits.

However, Divina, for his part, disagreed.

“I respectfully disagree with the statement of Mrs. Carmina Castillo that UST and the Faculty of Civil Law failed in their duty to protect her son,” said Divina who expressed his sympathies to Atio’s parents.

According to Divina, the UST and the Faculty of Civil Law have “always implemented and upheld” policies promoting the safety and welfare of students.

“Unfortunately, no institution is spared from the actions of individuals who choose to disregard these measures,” he said.

“We remain committed to ensuring a safe environment and continuously improve our efforts to prevent a repetition of such tragedy,” he added.

In October 2017, Divina was among the initial respondents on the complaint filed by Carmina and Horacio.

But, the DOJ dropped the dean from its charge sheet when it filed criminal charges against 10 members of Aegis Juris.

READ: WHAT WENT BEFORE: Atio Castillo hazing case

Seven years after the death of Atio, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11 has found 10 Aegis Juris members: Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Ralph Trangia, Robin Ramos, Jose Miguel Salamat, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, and Marcelino Bagtang—guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violating Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law.

All fratmen were sentenced to reclusion perpetua and to jointly and severally pay the heirs of Castillo — P461,800 as actual expenses; P75,000 as civil indemnity; P75,000 as moral damages; and P75,000 as exemplary damages.