Atio was trying ‘to find his purpose in life’ – Ventura

Before he died due to alleged hazing, 22-year-old Horacio “Atio” Castillo III was finding his purpose in life.

This was according to Marc Anthony Ventura, a former official of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, which is being blamed for Castillo’s death last September 17.

Ventura told the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on Monday that he was present when Atio was undergoing the initiation rites on the night of September 16 but said he was not among those who hit him with a paddle.

During the alleged initiation rites, Venutra claimed Castillo was already tired but still responsive that he was able to talk to him.

Asked by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian what Castillo told him, Ventura said: “Sinasabi ko po sa kanya na kaya n’ya po yun, yung proseso ng gabi na yun.”

“At lagi ko pong pinapaalala sa kanya yung sinasabi nya sa akin tuwing nag-uusap kami. Ang gusto n’ya kasi is purpose. Every time na kausap n’ya ako lagi lang n’yang sinasabi was purpose.”

“Parang hinahanap nya ang purpose nya sa buhay n’ya and every time na mag-uusap kami, constant reminder ko po sa kanya na ‘yung purpose, hindi kami magbibigay sa kanya, magsisimula yun sa kanya,” Ventura added.

Castillo’s parents, Horacio and Carmina, were at the hearing as Ventura was being grilled by senators on the details and circumstances of the UST law student’s death.    /kga