DOJ creates panel to probe deadly UST hazing

MANILA -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a three-man panel to conduct a preliminary investigation and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of criminal complaint against John Paul Solano and 17 others suspects in the fatal hazing of University of Sto. Tomas (UST) law freshman Horacio Castillo III.

Acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. designated Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Villanueva as head of the panel with Associate Prosecutor Attorneys Wendell Bendoval and Honey Rose Delgado as members.

“In the interest of the service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, a panel of prosecutors is hereby constituted …to conduct the preliminary investigation… and if the evidence warrants, to file the appropriate information in the court of competent jurisdiction and to prosecute the same,” the order read .

The panel will conduct the first preliminary investigation on Wednesday on the complaint of Manila Police District (MPD) against Solano, the primary suspect and other members of the Aegis Juris fraternity.

Solano is facing complaints for murder, obstruction of justice, perjury, robbery, and violation of AntiHazing Law.

Other suspects namely Antonio Trangia and his son Ralph; Arvin R. Balag, Mhin Wei R. Chan, Ranie Rafael Santiago, Oliver John Audrey B. Onofre, Jason Adolfo Robiños, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Karl Mathew Villanueva, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Axel Munro Hipe, Marc Anthony Ventura, Aeron Salientes, Marcelino Bagtang, Zimon Padro and Jose Miguel Salamat were facing complaints for murder and violation of the Anti-Hazing Law.

Ralph Trangia, another primary suspect, reportedly fled to Chicago a couple of days after the incident and before the LBO was issued.

The MPD, in its complaint, noted that a complaint for obstruction of justice will also be filed against Mrs. Rosemarie Trangia, Ralph’s mother. Also on Wednesday, the Castillo family is expected to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II met the Castillo family last week and has set a meeting with President Duterte on the said day.

During their meeting, the family has expressed concerns that those involved in the death of Atio belong to wealthy and influential families.

Aguirre also said the Castillo family can be placed under the protective coverage of the Witness Protection Program.

Castillo reportedly died during hazing rites of the Aegis Juris fraternity last September 16.