MANILA — A Manila court on Thursday ordered the arrest of 10 members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity based in the University of Santo Tomas for their alleged involvement in the death of law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III during hazing rites.
“Upon personal evaluation of the resolution of the DOJ (Department of Justice) Panel of Prosecutors as well as the supporting evidence on record, this court finds probable cause and that there is a necessity for placing all of the accused under custody in order not to frustrate the ends of justice” read the arrest warrant issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 40 Presiding Judge Alfredo D. Ampuan.
Facing a case for violation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law are Mhin Wei Chan, Jose Miguel Salamat, John Robin G. Ramos, Marcelino Bagtang Jr., Alrvin A. Balag, Ralph Trangia, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver Onofre, Joshua Macabili and Hans Matthew Rodrigo.
The court did not recommend any bail for the accused.
Salamat and Ramos submitted a motion on Monday last week asking the court not to issue a warrant of arrest. Witness Marc Anthony Ventura said Salamat and Ramos took part in hitting Castillo’s arms with a spatula.
Before this, members punched and bludgeoned Castillo repeatedly. Ventura identified Hipe, Trangia, and Balag as the ones who paddled Castillo until he lost consciousness.
Salamat and Ramos repeated the arguments that Castillo died of a pre-existing heart condition. (PNA)
