MANILA — John Paul Solano on Tuesday named at least seven individuals to be responsible in the fatal hazing of University of Santo Tomas (UST) freshman law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said this information was bared by Solano during an executive session he had with senators Monday night.
Zubiri, in an ambush interview, who was privy to the details said that six people were members of UST’s Aegis Juris fraternity while one was a non-member.
“He named at least six frat members and mahalaga ‘yan sa imbestigasyon (and that’s important to the investigation). He mentioned a lot of details,” Zubiri told reporters.
Zubiri said Solano’s information would help the Manila Police District (MPD) pursue other frat members
Solano is to file his sworn affidavit today (Tuesday).
The senator also mentioned that it seemed like there were two factions in the fraternity — one faction wants to protect the members while the other wants members to take responsibility.
“There’s a faction that wants to protect the members, there’s another faction — lalo na mga (especially) older members (saying) ‘let them man up to their responsibility,’” he added.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that Solano seemingly looked “relieved” when he finally revealed the names.
“He wanted to tell the truth. He was very calm and very happy na nailabas niya (that he was able to name them). He was very relieved,” Zubiri said.
Zubiri also said that the Senate is willing to provide protection to Solano in case he would ask for it.
“…The Senate will be willing to protect him. Senators (Panfilo) Lacson, Bam (Aquino), (Sherwin) Gatchalian and I — offered witness protection by the Senate if his life is in danger,” Zubiri said.
Solano, who is also a UST law student but has filed a leave of absence, said that he was not present during the initiation rites and only turned himself in to clear his name.
Zubiri, a family friend of the Castillo family, was one of the senators who filed a resolution calling for a probe into the death of Castillo. (PNA)
