Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has expelled eight students involved in the hazing death of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.
News of the expulsions was first reported on Sunday by The Varsitarian, UST’s official student publication.
“The UST confirmed that the Committee tasked to investigate the death of Mr. Horacio Castillo III has issued its first resolution finding eight law students guilty of violating the Code of Conduct and Discipline and imposing the supreme penalty of expulsion,” it reported.
In a statement sent to CNN Philippines, UST Law Dean Nilo Divina said: “The Committee has exercised the authority and carried out the mandate that the University has given. Its resolution will be faithfully implemented by the faculty of civil law.”
Atio, a 22-year-old freshman law student, died after the hazing rites of the Aegis Juris Fraternity on September 16.
Timeline: The case of Horacio Castillo III
On September 19, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri filed Senate Resolution No. 504, calling for an investigation into Castillo’s death.
The Manila police has filed charges for murder, perjury, robbery, and obstruction of justice, and violation of the anti-hazing law against 17 suspects.
This is a developing story.
