MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas has suspended all fraternities, sororities and similar organizations following the slay of law school freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.
The indefinite suspension will be effective at the start of academic year 2018-2019, according to a memorandum issued by the UST Office of Student Affairs Monday, a copy of which was posted by student publication The Varsitarian on Twitter Tuesday night.
“[The suspension is] in light of the recent incident involving the hazing death of a law student and in keeping with the duty of the university to take proactive steps to protect the students from the danger of participating in activities that will involve hazing,” the memorandum read.
The memorandum directed all fraternities, sororities and similar organizations to cease and desist from recruiting students or engaging in any kind of activities.
“All students are likewise directed not to join fraternities, sororities or any unrecognized student organizations pursuant to the Code of Conduct and Discipline,” it read.
Castillo died while undergoing hazing rites of the fraternity Aegis Juris on Sept. 17, 2017. According to the testimony of state witness Mark Ventura, the law school freshman was punched and paddled for hours.
His death prompted lawmakers to amend the existing law on hazing.
On Tuesday, a Manila court ordered the transfer of the detained Aegis Juris members charged over the death of Castillo from the National Bureau of Investigation to the Manila City Jail.
READ: Aegis Juris fratmen in Atio slay to be brought to Manila City Jail