Lacson to frat members: Attend hearing or else …

At least 30 Aegis Juris fraternity members who have been subpoenaed by the Senate, which will resume today its hearing on the hazing death of University of Santo Tomas freshman law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, face arrest if they fail to attend.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson issued the warning on Sunday, adding that those who refused to acknowledge receipt of the subpoenas, which were served to them in their home or office, would also face arrest.

The Senate committees on public order and dangerous drugs, as well as justice and constitutional amendments will hold today its third hearing on the case of Castillo who died on Sept. 17 due to hazing injuries.

Expected to testify was Mark Anthony Ventura, the fraternity’s former secretary, who named in his affidavit the members who attended the hazing rites. Ventura was among the 31 Aegis Juris members subpoenaed by the Senate.

Also summoned were Arvin Balag, Ralph Trangia, Mhin Wei Chan, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Ranie Rafael Santiago, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Aeron Salientes, Marcelino Bagtang, Zimon Padro, Jose Miguel Salamat, Ged Villanueva, Milfren Alvarado, Daniel Ragos, Zachary Abulencia and Dave Felix.

Balag, the alleged fraternity president, has been detained in the Senate after he was cited in contempt for refusing to answer questions.

Lacson said the committee would decide after today’s hearing if there was a need for another one.

“It depends on the outcome of the hearing tomorrow. If the committee is able to gather information substantive and sufficient enough to come up with meaningful amendments to the Anti-Hazing Act, we will wind up. If not, we will call for another hearing,” he added.