DOJ reopens probe on Atio Castillo hazing
State witness and Aegis Juris fraternity member Mark Ventura is set to appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ) today as government prosecutors decided to re-open its preliminary investigation on the death of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Tomas ‘Atio’ Castillo III last September 17,2017.
Though the preliminary investigation had been submitted for resolution last November 16, Assistant Prosecutor Attorney II Wendell Bendoval, a member of panel of prosecutors handling the case, explained the case had to be re-opened to give way for the sworn statement of Ventura.
Bendoval said the panel received Ventura’s sworn statement only last January 3.
During the conduct of the preliminary investigation, Ventura never submitted his sworn statement which provided the details on what took place during the Aegis Juris initiation rites which led to the death of Castillo.
“It’s material evidence we have to consider. So, we have to re-open the preliminary investigation,” said Bendoval.
“We can’t resolve the case if the evidence is incomplete,” he pointed out.
With the re-opening of the preliminary investigation, the prosecutor said the respondents will be given the opportunity to file their comments on the sworn affidavit of Ventura.
During today’s hearing set this afternoon, Ventura will swear or subscribe before the panel of prosecutors the authenticity of his sworn statement.
After which, during the same hearing, the respondents will receive copies of Ventura’s sworn statement so they can submit their comments.
Ventura, who has been provisionally placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP), admitted participating in the hazing and named frat members who were involved.
The preliminary investigation the panel conducted is based on the complaints filed by the Manila Police District (MPD) and Castillo’s parents, Horacio Jr. and Carminia.