DOJ forms panel to probe 18 suspects in fatal hazing of Atio

Horacio Tomas Castillo III, a 22-year-old freshman law student at the UST, died of a heart attack after suffering injuries due to hazing, allegedly conducted by some members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity. (Photo by CYRILLE CUPINO / Radyo Inquirer)

The Department of Justice on Monday formed a panel of prosecutors to conduct an investigation on the criminal complaints filed against 18 individuals tagged in the fatal hazing of University of Sto. Tomas (UST) law freshman Horacio Castillo III.

In Office Order 1865, acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. designated Asst. State Prosecutor Susan Villanueva as head of the panel with Associate Prosecutor Attorneys Wendell Bendoval and Honey Rose Delgado as members.

The first preliminary investigation was scheduled for Oct. 4.

Aside from John Paul Solano, other respondents believed to be members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity are facing a complaint for murder, violations of Republic Act 8049 (Anti-hazing law), perjury, obstruction of justice and robbery.

Other respondents include Ralph Trangia, his father Antonio, Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Ranie Rafael Santiago, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Jason Adolfo Robiños, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Karl Mathew Villanueva, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Axel Munro Hipe, Marc Anthony Ventura, Aeron Salientes, Marcelino Bagtang, Zimon Padro and Jose Miguel Salamat.

Trangia’s mother Rosemarie was also included in the complaint for obstruction of justice. She flew with her son to the US a few days after the incident and before the DOJ could issue lookout bulletin order.

Castillo was killed after undergoing hazing rites of the Aegis Juris fraternity last Sept. 16.