Atio Castillo

Justice Served: 10 Fratmen Convicted in Atio Castillo's Tragic Hazing Case!

After seven long years, the court delivers justice for Atio Castillo's family as 10 Aegis Juris fratmen face the music!

The tragic story of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, a University of Santo Tomas (UST) law freshman who lost his life due to hazing in 2017, has come to a climactic turn after seven years of legal battles. The Manila Regional Trial Court recently delivered its verdict, convicting ten members of the Aegis Juris fraternity. These fratmen were found guilty of violating the Anti-Hazing Law, shedding light on the dark corners of fraternity initiation rituals that often spiral out of control. Atio's family, who have fought tirelessly for justice, finally saw a glimmer of hope in a dreary legal landscape.

The verdict was delivered on October 1, 2023, marking a significant moment not only for Atio’s grieving family but also for the movement against hazing. The court's decision emphasized accountability, sending a powerful message that such dangerous practices would no longer be tolerated. In the years following Atio’s death, his parents have been front and center in advocating for change, declaring that the University of Santo Tomas, among others, failed to protect their son and allow a toxic culture to thrive.

In a twist of irony, while the convicted fratmen receive their just deserts, UST's Dean of Law, Nilo Divina, stood firm, claiming that the university did not fail in its duty to protect students. This has ignited conversations across social media platforms as the public weighs in on whether educational institutions are doing enough to prevent such horrific incidents from occurring. Amid the complexities of legal rhetoric, one thing remains clear: hazing rituals continue to plague student organizations, and reform must take precedence.

As the dust settles from this legal confrontation, one cannot overlook the serious implications of this ruling. Atio’s case has stirred up national discussions on fraternity culture and the responsibility of educational institutions to safeguard their students. Interestingly, hazing has been a long-standing issue not just in the Philippines, but across many countries, often leading to tragic outcomes. But hope springs eternal, and with advocacy groups rallying for stricter enforcement of the Anti-Hazing Law, future students may finally find themselves in a safer academic environment.