Atio hazing case: Senate panel recommends DOJ probe on Ventura

Aegis Juris member Marc Anthony Ventura during the Senate inquiry into the fatal hazing of UST Law student Horatio “Atio” Castillo III. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

The Senate panel that probed the fatal hazing of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III recommended the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a thorough investigation on Aegis Juris fraternity member Marc Anthony Ventura before discharging him from the complaint.

“Before admitting him to the Witness Protection Program, it is paramount to establish his credibility,” the report said.

The Joint Committee report drafted by the public order on dangerous drugs and justice and human rights released its findings and recommendations on Wednesday.

The report also said that the complaint must be “immediately modified” to include the names of respondents who were present in the initiation rites.

It added that the DOJ should also probe the attempted cover-up by the resident and alumni members of the fraternity and the subsequent filing of criminal charges for obstruction.

The DOJ should also request Facebook Philippines to provide an authenticated copy of the profiles and group chat of the members present in their public hearings, according to the report.

The Senate report also recommended the strengthening of Republic Act No. 8049 or Anti-Hazing Law.

The 22-year-old Castillo was declared dead upon arrival at the Chinese General Hospital last September after alleged deadly hazing rites from the members of Aegis Juris fraternity members. /je