Family, friends demand justice as Atio laid to rest

The casket descended into the pit amid the crying and silent indignation, but the family and friends of University of Santo Tomas (UST) freshman law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III strive to keep their hopes afloat that they would soon obtain justice for his untimely death.

The 22-year-old Castillo was finally laid to rest on Wednesday afternoon at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

Mourners, mostly wearing white t-shirts with words “Justice for Horacio”, bid their farewell to Castillo after a short mass that was held at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City.

For Castillo’s family and friends, now is not the time to give up and lose hope.

Robin Locson, a friend of Castillo’s for 15 years, shared with INQUIRER.net his message to his “brother from another mother.”

“To Horacio: Hi, brother. I miss you. We all do. Today, you’ll be laid to rest. The feeling is bittersweet since you won’t be with us physically but your pain and suffering has ended,” Locson said.

“Right now, we want you to be assured that your family will be taken care of. Your life has been fruitful and I thank you for being a part of the lives of many.”

“Wherever you are, I know you would tell us not to give up. That alone will help each and every one that you love (to) continue with their lives. I love you. We all love you,” he added.

Castillo died after allegedly undergoing initiation rites by members of the Aegis Juris fraternity.  Authorities surmised that Castillo’s death was due to hazing.

READ: Mom of killed UST law student asks: What happened to my son?

READ: Family condemns ‘barbaric’ death of UST law student

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

Aside from family and friends, members of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), which pledged to support the family’s fight for justice, also attended Castillo’s funeral.            /kga