Thomasian community holds prayer vigil for slain UST student
More than a hundred students, faculty members and alumni of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), held a prayer vigil on Monday evening for Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, after he was tortured to death in an alleged hazing incident.
Thomasians inside the UST Main Bldg. for the prayer vigil. Photo by Bianca Grajo/THE FOURTH
In the back entrance of the main building of UST, the Thomasian community recited the rosary with eulogies in remembrance of the freshman law student.
“Let us all be a brother to Horacio where they failed to be,” said in one speech.
Cries for justice and sincere pleads were also offered by the people for Horacio.
Horacio was remembered for his dedication and service for The Political Science Forum of the Faculty of Arts and Letters during his college days.
After the vigil, the attendees put their candles in honor of the fallen law student outside the main building.
Horacio, fondly called Atio by his family, was in his first year in the Faculty of Civil Law when he was recruited to join the Aegis Juris Fraternity.
According to the UST Civil Law website, the Aegis Jvris Fraternity was established in 1979 with its name literally translated to Shield of Justice. UST Civil Law’s Dean Nilo Divina is said to be a part of the aforementioned organization. According to UST Office of Students Affairs, the fraternity is not recognized this year.
On Monday morning, Atio’s body was allegedly found wrapped with a blanket on a sidewalk in Tondo, Manila and then rushed to the Chinese General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. He died from a heart attack which was possibly due to the injuries, according to the medico-legal doctor from the Manila Police District.
Further investigation is still ongoing for the death of the freshman law student.
UPDATE: On Friday afternoon, a member of Aegis Juris named John Paul Solano surrendered to the police.
