UST rector urges Aegis Juris frat men to admit to their crime
The University rector has called the members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity to be responsible for the death of Civil Law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, as details of the brutal hazing emerge.
“Please pray to God that the perpetrators of this abominable crime admit their faults so that justice may be served. Let us appeal to their conscience and to that little goodness, that they may value their faith as Thomasians” said Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. on Friday.
Dagohoy led a special mass to commemorate Atio’s 40th day after his death and to remember other departed Thomasians.
“Tonight, my dear Thomasians, [let us] give space for grief and hope to stand together. Let tears fall down on our cheeks, our hearts mourn for the loss of our loved ones,” he added.
He also said that Atio’s death may give hope and courage in dark times.
“We pray for Horacio [whose death] gives us hope and courage. We hope that our departed Thomasians, particularly Horacio, enjoy God’s eternal embrace. Remembering our deceased loved ones make our sense of hope alive.”
Among those who attended the mass were Atio’s friends, family, and former professors from the Faculty of Arts and Letters and the Faculty of Civil Law.
“We hope our departed Thomasians, especially Horacio, enjoys God’s eternal embrace,” Dagohoy said.
Shortly after the mass, Thomasians gathered for the candle lighting ceremony outside the chapel to offer flowers and candles at the shrine of Horacio and all departed Thomasians.
“Eternal rest grant onto them [departed Thomasians] all the way and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace,” he prayed.
The 22-year-old freshman law student died on Sept. 17 after undergoing the fraternity’s initiation rites.
Aegis Juris officer Marc Ventura, a suspect turned witness, agreed on Wednesday to testify against the other fraternity members involved in the hazing rites.
The Department of Justice issued an immigration lookout order last Oct. 26 against Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina, Faculty Secretary Arthur Capili, and 63 other fraternity members. — B. Laforga and M.W. Dela Paz
