Castillos: Atio's hazing ordeal ‘very clear’

MANILA, Philippines — The parents of alleged hazing victim Horacio “Atio” Castillo III are confident they would attain justice for their son, citing that the hazing ordeal he went through is very evident.

“They can say whatever they want but at the end of day, I’m confident we will get justice. You know, they can throw whatever they want, but alam ko yung totoo (I know the truth),” Carmina Castillo, Atio’s mother said in a televised ambush interview last Tuesday.

“We all know what's true. ‘Yung condition ng anak ko (The condition of my son)– how they did it to him, maliwanag na maliwanag na ‘yun (it’s very clear). We’re very, very confident we will get justice,” she added.

Carmina was reacting to the recent counter-affidavit filed by Arvin Balag, believed to be the Aegis Juris Fraternity's president. Balag claims that there is no proof showing that neophyte Atio underwent hazing in their library on September 17.

Balag also insisted could not be held liable for the death of Atio as there was no proof that he participated in the brotherhood's initiation rites.

READ: Fratman Arvin Balag denies participation in hazing rites of Atio

The supposed frat leader also denied being part of the Facebook conversation that discussed how to handle Atio's death.

He is facing murder, anti-hazing, robbery and obstruction of justice raps along with several other members of Aegis Juris Fraternity for his death.

Meanwhile, Atio’s father, Horacio Castillo Jr., described their first All Saint’s Day without their son as “unimaginable.”

“Two months ago, magkakasama pa kami (we were still together”). We were living normally,” the father said.

“Who would imagine Novermber 1 we would be here? Wala na yung anak namin (Our son is gone,)” he added.

The Castillo family visited Atio's grave at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City last Tuesday.