Aegis Jvris: Suspect fratmen willing to cooperate with probe

MANILA, Philippines — Aegis Jvris Fraternity on Thursday said the fratmen tagged in the alleged hazing rites which killed University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III are ready to cooperate in the case's investigation.

In a statement, the fraternity said it continued to reach out to the family of the members possibly implicated in the fatal fraternity rites.

"Our steadfast efforts to convince our brods to submit themselves to investigation bore fruition as they express their willingness to appear and submit to investigation,” the fraternity said.

The fraternity’s statement came after the Bureau of Immigration confirmed that one of the identified persons of interest in Castillo’s case left the country. A check of the flight number showed that Suspect Ralph Trangia left for Taipei in Taiwan. 

On Wednesday, UST Faculty of Civil of Law Dean Nilo Divina, a member of Aegis Jvris Fraternity, partially lifted the preventive suspension of the fraternity members so that they could make themselves available for interviews or conference by concerned authorities.

READ: Aegis Juris fratman on lookout order left Philippines on Tuesday

Aside from Trangia, 15 others were placed by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II in an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order on Wednesday. They are:

• Arvin R. Balag

• Mhin Wei Chan

• Marc Anthony Ventura

• Axel Mundo Hipe

• Oliver John Audrey Onofre

• Joshua Joriel Macabali

• Jason Adolfo Robiños

• Ranie Rafael Santiago

• Danielle Hans Mattew Rodrigo

• Carl Mattew Villanueva

• Aeron Salientes

• Marcelino Bagtang

• Zimon Padro

• Jose Miguel Salamat

• John Paul Solano

Aegis Jvris, meanwhile, condoled to the bereaved family of “Atio.” It renewed its commitment to cooperate in the ongoing investigations.

“Our silence for the past 3 days does not mean that we reneged on our commitment,” the fraternity said.

“Just like everyone, we want to see that justice is served for the death of Brod Atio. And we share the anguish of his parents to know also the incidents that led to his untimely demise,” it added.

The 22-year-old Castillo died from injuries believed to have been sustained in fraternity hazing rites of the fraternity. He was dumped on a sidewalk in Balut, Tondo on Sunday morning.